The Detectors: Testing, Design, Simulation (DéTeCS) laboratory is tasked with developing detection systems that meet the needs of the IRFU’s major scientific projects in particle physics, nuclear physics and astrophysics. Its activities cover the entire instrumental chain, from detector design to the development of readout electronics, including device characterisation and qualification.
Driven by ambitious R&D programmes, the laboratory explores new detection concepts and proposes innovative solutions for the production and integration of complex instruments. Its expertise combines numerical calculation, advanced simulation, instrumentation and high-level technological know-how in a multidisciplinary approach.
Research and innovation in detection
Building on the expertise developed at DEDIP over many years, DéTeCS is at the forefront of innovation in the field of detectors. Its researchers propose and study new concepts as part of their own R&D programmes or feasibility and preliminary design phases for future instruments in particle physics, nuclear physics and astrophysics.
Its activities cover a wide range of applications:
Rare event physics, with the development of germanium bolometric detectors, spherical gas detectors and Micromegas detectors for axion research;
Trajectography for nuclear physics and particle physics experiments on accelerators;
Neutron beam diagnostics;
Imaging systems based on semiconductor detectors for spectrometry experiments in the fields of astrophysics and cosmology, from the near UV to the near infrared;
Societal applications, such as dosimetry for medical purposes, imaging for nuclear safety, and muon tomography of geological sites.
The laboratory also enjoys international recognition in the field of micro-segmented anode gas detectors, in particular thanks to the invention of the Micromegas (Micro-Mesh GASeous Structure) detector, to which it devotes a significant part of its activities.
Towards complete detection systems
In synergy with other DEDIP laboratories, DéTeCS contributes to the development of complete detection systems, combining detectors and electronics. This integrated approach is based on expertise covering:
- Particle detection and beam diagnostics,
- Simulation of physical and electronic phenomena,
- Front-end and coding electronics,
- Integration, metrology and prototyping,
- Vacuum and cryogenic techniques,
- Management of industrial subcontracting with a focus on quality,
- Management of large-scale international projects.
To carry out these missions, the laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment (evaporation benches, chemistry and low-pressure laboratories, optical benches, spectrometers, high-performance oscilloscopes and generators, micrometric alignment devices, etc.).
Skills and resources
DeTeCS brings together physicists, engineers and technicians with complementary skills in modelling, simulation, design, development and performance testing of gas, liquid and semiconductor detectors. It also trains young researchers by supervising doctoral and post-doctoral students, and contributes to teaching instrumentation at Master’s level.
In order to optimise and accelerate detector design, the laboratory uses Monte Carlo simulation tools (GEANT4, FLUKA, Garfield++, COMSOL Multiphysics, etc.) to model physical processes at the microscopic scale. These simulations are complemented by a comprehensive experimental infrastructure: radiation sources (X, α, γ, neutrons), high spatial resolution cosmic benches and specialised facilities for testing gas and cryogenic detectors. Data analysis is based on software developed in-house, based among other things on ROOT libraries.
Contribution to major projects
DéTeCS members are involved in numerous international collaborations as package managers, project managers or major contributors.
In particular, they participate in the following experiments and projects:
Rare event physics: CUPID, NUCLEUS, NEWS, IAXO
Particle physics: P2, ATLAS-Upgrade (NSW, ITK, etc.), CLAS12, EIC, T2K.
Nuclear physics and diagnostics: n-TOF, ESS diagnostics, FALSTAFF, AGATA.
Astrophysics and space applications: CTA, BlueMUSE, DESI
Societal applications: medical dosimetry, nuclear imaging and muon tomography, MCube, ALB3DO, OMNIS
R&D: CERN/DRD1, SNSPD, DOTPIX, PIMENT(PicoSEC), Cryogenic Systems
