The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) has entered its final construction phase, marking a significant milestone in China's scientific endeavors. According to the Institute of High Energy Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the assembly of the innermost acrylic sphere is now complete, bringing JUNO one step closer to becoming a leading center for international neutrino research.
The outer stainless-steel grid and photomultiplier tubes are progressing smoothly, with all installation tasks expected to be finalized by the end of November. JUNO's primary scientific mission is to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy, a fundamental question in particle physics, along with exploring other cutting-edge research areas.
Located approximately 700 meters underground, JUNO's core detector boasts the world's largest single acrylic sphere, housing a 20,000-tonne liquid scintillator designed to detect neutrinos with unprecedented precision. The acrylic sphere is engineered to withstand a buoyant force of about 3,000 tonnes over long-term operation, showcasing remarkable advancements in material science and engineering.
The project team has overcome several critical technical challenges, including the development of photomultiplier tubes with the highest photon detection efficiency globally. They have also established a high-purity, high-seal, and highly efficient purification system for the liquid scintillator, achieving the world's longest attenuation length to date.
Upon completion, JUNO will stand alongside Japan's Super-Kamiokande and the United States' Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, solidifying China's leading position in the field of neutrino research. The observatory is expected to attract scientists and researchers from around the world, fostering international collaboration and contributing significantly to our understanding of the universe.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
