DUNE

South Dakota Public Broadcasting recently went underground in Lead, SD to learn about major projects at SURF. This includes Lux Zeppelin, CASPAR and DUNE.

Particle physics experiments use detectors that are intricate, sophisticated devices for learning about the origins and composition of the universe. The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment is designed to tackle one of physics’ biggest mysteries — matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe — by studying neutrinos. Production of Anode Plane Assemblies, detector components that will allow DUNE to achieve exquisite measurement precision, requires skilled technicians, a cleverly designed machine and an incredible attention to detail.

Rice University recently hosted its first DUNE-TECH camp to prepare students with hands-on experience and training using cutting-edge tools and technologies needed to contribute to the DUNE experiment and to neutrino physics experiments.

Fermilab directors and technicians were at Unicamp recently as part of the technical visit schedule of the research program for neutrino identification called LBNF/DUNE. The Brazilian team is developing the technology for photodetection of the light generated by the particle detectors and the production of highly pure liquid argon.

The BBC covers how the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment will study the change in neutrinos and anti-neutrinos as they travel 800-miles from Fermilab in Illinois to SURF in South Dakota.

Crews with the Sanford Underground Research Facility will undergo the careful process of lowering about 380 steel beams a mile underground soon. Each beam weighs about 12,800 pounds.

Brazil is a leading collaborator in the development of innovative technologies for the DUNE experiment. The State University of Campinas (Unicamp) is developing technologies for the liquid argon purification process and the X-Arapuca light detector.

After six years contributing to the Proton Improvement Plan-II, Boffo now takes the reins as project director for the major enhancement to the Fermilab accelerator complex.

At the Sanford Underground Research Facility, hovercraft technology is being used to efficiently move massive steel beams for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. Named after a beloved workhorse at the former gold mine that now contains the science facility, “Maggie II” is an innovative solution for the challenges of transporting heavy, awkwardly shaped beams underground to construct one of the largest physics experiments in the world.

Sowjanya Gollapinni has been elected as the new co-spokesperson for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, succeeding Mary Bishai. Gollapinni is a senior scientist and the Neutrino Group Leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory and has been involved with DUNE since 2015. Now, she will co-lead the project to its next stages of development.