Exploring China's Massive Subterranean Neutrino Laboratory
Deep beneath the picturesque landscape of Kaiping, China, a groundbreaking project is nearing completion. The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), a massive $376 million facility, is set to revolutionize our understanding of the elusive neutrino particles. Led by physicist Yuekun Heng, JUNO aims to unlock the mysteries surrounding neutrino mass, one of the most puzzling enigmas in the realm of physics.
Located 700 meters underground, JUNO boasts a 35-meter orb-shaped detector designed to capture neutrinos with unparalleled precision. This ambitious project is set to become the first of its kind to go online, with two other detectors in Japan and the United States following suit in the coming years.
The primary goal of JUNO is to determine the mass hierarchy of neutrinos, shedding light on their fundamental properties and their role in the Universe. By studying neutrinos from various sources such as the Sun, atmosphere, and nuclear reactors, researchers hope to gain insight into these ghostly particles that permeate our world.
What sets JUNO apart is its innovative approach. Unlike other detectors that rely on purified water or liquid argon, JUNO utilizes liquid scintillator to detect neutrinos. This unique method, combined with its proximity to nuclear power stations, positions JUNO as a frontrunner in the race to solve the neutrino mass-ordering problem.
With over 40,000 photomultiplier tubes covering its main detector sphere, JUNO is poised to detect 100,000 neutrinos over the next six years. This state-of-the-art facility, shielded from cosmic rays by a granite hill and high-purity water, represents a beacon of hope for physicists striving to unravel the mysteries of neutrinos.
Despite facing challenges during construction, including groundwater issues and radon levels, the JUNO team remains committed to ensuring the detector's sensitivity and accuracy. The rigorous testing of the liquid scintillator and the meticulous preparation process underscore the dedication and perseverance of the researchers involved in this groundbreaking project.
As JUNO prepares to embark on its mission to decipher the secrets of neutrinos, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking discoveries that lie ahead. With its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled capabilities, JUNO is poised to make a significant impact on the field of particle physics and deepen our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the Universe.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00694-5
Located 700 meters underground, JUNO boasts a 35-meter orb-shaped detector designed to capture neutrinos with unparalleled precision. This ambitious project is set to become the first of its kind to go online, with two other detectors in Japan and the United States following suit in the coming years.
The primary goal of JUNO is to determine the mass hierarchy of neutrinos, shedding light on their fundamental properties and their role in the Universe. By studying neutrinos from various sources such as the Sun, atmosphere, and nuclear reactors, researchers hope to gain insight into these ghostly particles that permeate our world.
What sets JUNO apart is its innovative approach. Unlike other detectors that rely on purified water or liquid argon, JUNO utilizes liquid scintillator to detect neutrinos. This unique method, combined with its proximity to nuclear power stations, positions JUNO as a frontrunner in the race to solve the neutrino mass-ordering problem.
With over 40,000 photomultiplier tubes covering its main detector sphere, JUNO is poised to detect 100,000 neutrinos over the next six years. This state-of-the-art facility, shielded from cosmic rays by a granite hill and high-purity water, represents a beacon of hope for physicists striving to unravel the mysteries of neutrinos.
Despite facing challenges during construction, including groundwater issues and radon levels, the JUNO team remains committed to ensuring the detector's sensitivity and accuracy. The rigorous testing of the liquid scintillator and the meticulous preparation process underscore the dedication and perseverance of the researchers involved in this groundbreaking project.
As JUNO prepares to embark on its mission to decipher the secrets of neutrinos, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking discoveries that lie ahead. With its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled capabilities, JUNO is poised to make a significant impact on the field of particle physics and deepen our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the Universe.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00694-5
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