Fermilab features

A key milestone in the U.S.-funded upgrade to the CMS experiment was achieved with the successful delivery of a 5-meter-long carbon support tube to CERN. Designed and built at Purdue University, the tube will house new inner particle detectors for CMS, which is being prepared for the high-luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider. The CMS collaboration is composed of scientists from roughly 240 institutions spread across more than 50 countries.

Fermilab is advancing U.S. semiconductor capabilities through leading-edge research in energy-efficient and extreme-environment chips. This important work is driving breakthroughs for high-energy physics and future technologies.

In 2024, Fermilab made significant scientific progress, including advancing preparations for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and conducting groundbreaking quantum research. The laboratory also continued its strong international collaborations — including involvement with the CMS experiment at CERN — and made strides in developing emerging technologies with wide applications beyond physics.

The PIP-II accelerator upgrade project at Fermilab officially completed its subproject dedicated to the early stages of facilities construction.

The five quantum centers have reached significant accomplishments, summarized in a new joint website, nqisrc.org.

Fermilab earned national recognition for its sustainability efforts, receiving three prestigious awards from the U.S. Department of Energy. The laboratory’s new Integrated Engineering Research Center was celebrated for its environmentally friendly design. The successful transition of 32% of Fermilab’s fleet to zero emission vehicles was also recognized.

Particle accelerator beams can create significant damage to the targets used to generate particles for experiments. Researchers are designing targets to withstand material degradation from radiation damage, shock from thermal expansion and material fatigue — all caused by accelerated protons.

The Science Accelerating Girls’ Engagement Camp at Fermilab welcomes a diverse group of high school students to a five-day science experience. The program aims to broaden gender diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Celebrate International Dark Matter Day by joining a live Q&A session through YouTube with physicists from Fermilab at 11 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Additionally, a dark matter-themed trivia event will be held in Batavia, Illinois on Oct. 28.

Bringing expertise in materials science and engineering, Akshay Murthy is a leader at Fermilab’s Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center. Murthy’s passion at SQMS is extending the lifetimes of quantum states to realize next-generation quantum computers and sensors.