GANIL (or Large Heavy Ion National Accelerator) is one of the world’s biggest research institutes for nuclear physics and related subjects based in the Calvados area. Hundreds of users come to Caen every year to conduct experiments that will unlock the secrets behind matter and the universe.
An incredible facility lies behind the Campus Jules Horowitz gates in Caen (between CHU hospital and University Campus 2): GANIL (or Large Heavy Ion National Accelerator). Its cyclotrons and linear accelerator see dozens of pioneering science experiments conducted here every year (8 in nuclear physics, 48 covering several subjects, 23 for industrial applications in 2023).
An extensive field for fundamental and applied research
The science facility to study heavy ions in the Normandy area got the go ahead in 1976 when Michel d’Ornano was the French Minister for Industry. Experiments began here in 1983. Over 40 years on, GANIL still sets the benchmark for French research into nuclear physics. It’s one of the world’s biggest laboratories in this field of expertise.
“Fundamental research in nuclear physics is still at the heart of what we do here, but over time we’ve begun exploring new areas of research such as nuclear astrophysics, astrochemistry, irradiated materials, nanostructures and more with CIMAP, the Centre for Research into Ions, Materials and Phototonics, which houses some of this research alongside GANIL. GANIL has also ventured into applied research, specifically in energy and nuclear medicine,” says Gilles de France. The head of the physics department first joined GANIL in 1997 as a research leader.
Cutting-edge facilities
GANIL is home to several cyclotrons and a dozen experimental areas to accelerate ions and study the subject. The first cyclotrons are capable of particle acceleration, from carbon to uranium. A fifth cyclotron launched in 2001 and can accelerate the radioactive ions produced by the first cyclotrons in a cascade system.
A new installation joined GANIL in 2019: SPIRAL 2. It has a linear particle accelerator (LINAC) and three new experimental areas. Its very high-intensity beams capable of accelerating light, heavy and eventually very heavy ions, mean SPIRAL 2 has broadened the possibilities of physics research on-site even further.
GANIL stands out for its ability to provide users with both a wide range of accelerated ion beams and state-of-the-art detection systems to analyse data.
GANIL, a leading infrastructure used by international researchers
Researchers from laboratories and universities all over the world come to Normandy every year to conduct experiments using GANIL’s ion resources. The facility has a community of one thousand regular users. GANIL also sells 10-15% of its beam time to businesses (with their own room and staff) to study real-world applications (aerospace, medicine etc.). The scientific platform also helps train dozens of students every year. 2023 alone saw GANIL host 38 Master’s students, 19 PhD students and 16 postdoctoral researchers.
Over the last few decades, GANIL has set the scene for dozens of major scientific discoveries: mass measurement of 100Sn, two-proton radioactivity, discovery of atoms and hydrogen -7, the most exotic nucleus ever observed, the unique structure of silicon-34 and so much more. The facility’s applied research has also made major advances, especially in the field of nuclear medicine. “For example, we’ve managed to produce radionuclides such as astatine 211, an alpha particle emitter that targets biomolecules to treat certain types of cancer cells. GANIL is blazing a trail in this field,” says the head of physics.
GANIL is expanding with new installations and ambitious projects
GANIL has reached a turning point. It’s launched the CYREN project to renovate and prolong the lifespan of its long-standing cyclotrons whilst the new SPIRAL 2 experimental areas are gradually being set up. The first one is already up and running: Neutrons For Science (NFS) to produce fast neutrons. The second should begin the test phase in late 2025 or early 2026: Super Separator Spectrometer (S3) to study unusual phenomena using very high intensity stable beams. The third experimental area will begin operations in 2026-2027: DESIR to research low-energy exotic nuclei.
In the meantime, GANIL is also working on the NEWGAIN (EquipEx+) project, a new injector that will produce the world’s highest ion beam intensities. Fundamental new breakthroughs are expected from these new facilities. ““We’ll explore how to roll out our new science project nationwide and worldwide over the next few years. We’ll also plan what the future holds for GANIL in the decades to come. “
Pioneers in Normandy
Thematics
