X-ray spectroscopy at PSI

Crystal spectroscopy of the X-rays of exotic atoms started with a series of experiments using transmission spectrometers. Experiments at lower energies were made possible by the development of reflection spectroscopy. The progress made is illustrated with a measurement of the pion mass and the determination of strong interaction effects in pionic hydrogen isotopes. Modern developments aim at a determination of the strong interaction width on the level of %. The way to reach this goal is presented and the limits of the method and possible future experiments are discussed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.