Fermilab Begins Lowering 10 Million Pounds of Steel for DUNE Detectors

Fermilab has begun lowering 10 million pounds of steel a mile underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in South Dakota, marking a major step forward for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). The massive steel beams will form the structural elements of DUNE’s detectors, designed to explore one of the universe’s most elusive particles: the neutrino. This undertaking represents the start of a pivotal phase for the ambitious experiment, which will send the world’s most intense neutrino beam 800 miles from Illinois to the detectors at SURF. “Today represents the start of a pivotal phase for DUNE, the development of the far detector structures in South Dakota,” said Fermilab Director Norbert Holtkamp, emphasizing that the project’s priorities are “safety, quality and schedule, in that order.”

DUNE Experiment Commences: 10 Million Pound Steel Beam Installation

This undertaking is about more than just scale; it’s about creating an environment shielded from cosmic rays and other background noise that would otherwise obscure the faint signals neutrinos produce. The steel is an in-kind contribution from CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, signifying the first time CERN has invested in infrastructure for an experiment located outside of Europe. This prioritization of safety reflects the complexities of constructing such a large-scale experiment deep underground. The beams are destined to become the structural framework for cryostats, which will ultimately house 17,000 tons of liquid argon cooled to approximately minus 300 degrees Fahrenheit; this extreme cooling is essential for capturing neutrino interactions with unprecedented precision. Each module, once completed, will be roughly the size of a five-story building, measuring 216 feet long, 62 feet wide, and 60 feet high. Mike Headley, the executive director of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority and laboratory director at SURF, highlighted the international collaboration underpinning DUNE’s success, noting that “SURF is proud to be included among the 1,500 scientific collaborators from around the world who are working alongside hundreds of additional engineers and technicians to complete this project.” CERN Director General Mark Thomson also underscored the strength of the partnership, saying, “This important milestone for DUNE is a testament to the strong scientific partnership between CERN and the US.” The installation of these detectors marks a crucial transition from construction to active experimentation, with Fermilab aiming to deliver the first neutrino beam to DUNE at a future date.

CERN Contributes Cryostat Materials for Underground Neutrino Detection

These contributions consist of steel cryostat materials essential for assembling the massive detectors that will ultimately house thousands of tons of liquid argon. This level of precision is vital for studying these elusive subatomic particles and unraveling mysteries about the universe. This international collaboration extends beyond material contributions; CERN is also developing prototype detectors and providing the two enormous cryostats for the experiment itself, while US Department of Energy national laboratories are supporting CERN with superconducting accelerator magnets for the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider. The delivery of the steel signifies a shift from construction to detector installation and highlights the benefits of international cooperation in large-scale scientific endeavors. These beams will form the structural core of DUNE’s massive particle detectors, initiating a transition from construction to actual detector installation. The installation of these detectors represents a significant step toward unraveling the mysteries of neutrinos and their role in the universe.