Science
Technology & Development
A major focus of the McDonald Institute is to facilitate the expertise needed to develop the next generation of detection technologies and ensure those technologies can be shared between collaborations and countries.
Cutting-edge technologies are required for all aspects of astroparticle physics experiments, from developing materials that give off almost no radiation, to new methods of detecting particle interactions, to advanced computing and data-management solutions, to the logistics of constructing large, complex detectors in a deep underground environment.
Developing these technologies is also of commercial interest. There is significant ongoing effort to develop techniques for measuring very low levels of radioactivity in nuclear and environmental monitoring programs. Additionally, there is a need for advanced detection techniques in the medical industry. Furthermore, techniques and findings from astroparticle physics have applications in computing and mining in ever deeper sites. The McDonald Institute is working to develop industrial partnerships to maximize commercialization of technologies developed by Institute researchers.