The PH Detector Technology (DT) group is a central part of the CERN Physics Department. DT comprises about 75 staff members, ~30 fellows and students and a FSU team of 14 people. The group makes major contributions to the development, construction, qualification and operation of particle detector systems for CERN experiments, and also provides unique infrastructures and expertise for detector R&D and upgrade programmes for existing and future experiments. As a result the group interacts with a wide spectrum of CERN’s experimental user community.

Successful operation of the CERN experiments is absolutely essential to the laboratory’s scientific programme. In the midst of the large number of exciting physics results from the LHC experiments in 2012 the DT group carries a significant operational load of the LHC – and also non-LHC – experimental infrastructures. Examples are the LHC experimental magnet controls and detector gas systems that provide a 24/7 on-call service, and support to numerous sub-detector systems and technical coordination-driven activities in the experiments.

Another key activity in 2012 was a careful preparation and planning of the shutdown activities in 2014-15, where the experiments undertake significant maintenance and upgrade programmes with DT involved in many aspects. The major LHC detectors will also introduce novel low mass cooling systems (CO₂-based) during the shutdown, requiring significant development and preparation in DT during 2012. In addition the shutdown provides a key window of opportunity for general maintenance and improvements of the experimental infrastructures under DT’s responsibility.

In 2012 improvement programmes for the laboratory’s irradiation facilities where approved, notably the construction of an enhanced gamma irradiation facility (GIF++) and a significant upgrade of the proton irradiation facility at the PS. Both facilities will be essential for the LHC detector upgrade studies and qualifications, and DT has the central planning role and operational responsibilities.  (See also: "The new proton & mixed-field Irradiation facility at CERN PS" ).

The PH/DT group has published its Annual Report where key activities throughout 2012 are described, as well as a wider description of how the group is organized and interacts with the experimental community. The report is available here.