LBNF

2022 Fermilab highlights

Scientists and engineers from more than 50 countries collaborate with Fermilab to develop state-of-the-art technologies and solve the mysteries of matter, energy, space and time. Here are highlights of how they advanced science and technology this year.

From UK Research and Innovation, July 26, 2022: UK engineers have started producing what is perhaps the most critical link in a complex and powerful accelerator chain, the neutrino production target for LBNF at Fermilab. Together, STFC engineers and Fermilab have started an international collaboration known as RaDIATE in which the collaboration applies the expertise and facilities of nuclear materials scientists to the challenging environment.

Employees from Thyssen Mining complete construction of a temporary work platform over the main ore pass on the 4850 level. All blasted rock from the project will be dumped down this pass before being hoisted to surface.
A robotic shotcrete applicator waits to be lowered into the newly excavated 12-foot diameter, 1,200-foot tall ventilation raise at the LBNF FSCF project in Lead, South Dakota.

The conveyor belt taking the rocks from the crusher to the Open Cut passes close to the town of Lead, South Dakota. Image: Fermilab

Fermilab contractors have successfully commissioned a system that will move 800,000 tons of rock to create space for the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment’s detectors in South Dakota. Excavation crews will transport the rock from a mile underground to the surface using refurbished mining infrastructure and the newly constructed conveyor system.

Take a virtual tour of the newly-upgraded Ross hoistroom and rock conveyance system at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Both the hoistroom and the conveyance system are critical to constructing LBNF and DUNE a mile below the surface.

Scientists in Latin America recently published the first coordinated plan for the region’s research in high-energy physics, astrophysics and cosmology. Fermilab scientist Marcela Carena was part of the group that collected input for the report. Here, she weighs in its significance.