Division of Electronics, Detectors and Computing for Physics (DEDIP)

Institute of Research into the Fundamental Laws of the Universe

The Electronics, Detectors and Computing Division

DEDIP

The main vocation of the Department of Sensor Electronics and Computer Science for Physics is to invent and build the ambitious and innovative detection instruments of the future, essential to the progress of physics studied at Irfu. This involves both positioning on large projects, such as NECTARCAM for CTA with the development of chips capturing and recording ultra-fast detector signals or the development of CMOS detectors for the LHC collider, Caliste cameras for the Solar Orbiter satellite but also software development on board the SVOM satellite.

This state-of-the-art instrumentation is not possible without strong R&D involvement, particularly in the fields of gas detectors and microelectronics, the fields of excellence of DEDIP. With technological infrastructures such as clean rooms for the integration of instruments, dark rooms for the characterization of ultrafast detectors or the micromegas workshop for their manufacture. Thanks to this complementarity of mechanical, computer and... profiles, the DEDIP can autonomously design complete detection systems from sensors to data visualisation.

Access to DEDIP's website

Head of division : Eric Delagnes

Deputy : Chriristine Porcheray

Secretary : Bénédicte Piccirelli

#521 - Last update : 12/22 2022

DEDIP : multidisciplinary teams at cutting edge : DEDIP numbers 77 engineers and researchers, 68 technicians, two post-doctoral students and two apprentices working on the development of detection and data processing systems for the department’s physics experiments. The technical performance of instruments and computer systems has for a long time played a key role in the quality of physics experiments, which are becoming increasingly demanding in terms of performance (speed, precision), reliability and data flow.

DEDIP : technological plateforms : First of all at the service of Irfu's needs, its skills also enable valorisation actions towards other CEA units, and reciprocally another of its strengths is to be able to benefit from the skills of the other CEA units. The DEDIP also aims to develop its skills to other players in the world of research or industry, in particular in societal fields such as medicine, art, etc...

DEDIP : technology transfer : A number of studies carried out either as physics experiments or as part of our R&D programs lead to innovations that may be of interest to other units of the CEA (Department of Technological Research and Department of Military Applications) or to industry. Two areas in which commercial use has been made of technology are applications of the Micromegas detector for the detection of neutrons and applications of switched capacitor matrices (development of ASIC and rapid digitization boards).

DEDIP research and development : The areas of research and development pursued by DEDIP are evaluated by its scientific and technical advisory board, which meets annually.

DEDIP: orientations and prospects : In the medium term, the service is undergoing changes that will affect the orientation of its recruitment and training policy. Orientation towards systems architecture The increasing complexity of projects requiring the mastery of technologies and interfaces means we have to strengthen our capacity for simulation and analysis at system level. We need to be able to provide complete solutions for physics experiments in terms of front-end architecture, real time architecture and software.