The Laboratory of Nuclear Problems (DLNP) is notably characterised by its neutrino physics and astrophysics studies. Among the significant research areas are high and ultra-high energy particle physics, the design and construction of modern measuring equipment, and applied studies, particularly the development and creation of a specialised medical accelerator complex.
Neutrino properties have always been among the topics of DLNP research. This is historically associated with the Italian and Soviet nuclear physicist Bruno Pontecorvo, who had worked at the Laboratory for a long time.
The Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems has the world’s strongest neutrino programme. The range and spectrum of studied phenomena and energies are very broad: from very low energies, at which neutrinos can coherently scatter on atoms and nuclei, to energies orders of magnitude higher than the maximum human-made energies at the Large Hadron Collider. In each of the studied energy ranges, the neutrino carries unique information inaccessible by other methods and is a key to New Physics beyond the Standard Model.
The Laboratory’s key experiment is the Baikal-GVD Project. The Baikal Neutrino Telescope is part of a unified neutrino research network, which, along with obtaining fundamental results in the study of cosmic neutrinos, allows for global monitoring of the entire outer space.
At the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant, experiments are carried out to measure the neutrino magnetic moment, search for sterile neutrinos, direct measure reactor antineutrinos, as well as to study coherent neutrino scattering (DANSS, νGeN Projects). The DANSS Project aims to create a compact neutrino spectrometer that contains no hazardous liquid and can be located very close to an industrial nuclear reactor core.
The Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems is internationally recognised for its advanced particle detectors, as well as experimental methods and approaches. At the same time, alongside the continuous modernisation of its infrastructure and instruments for research and engineering activities, the Laboratory is developing and сommissioning a number of new main facilities: a linear electron accelerator, a spectrometric cluster, a proton accelerator for medical and applied purposes, and the SPD Detector for the NICA Collider.
In addition, DLNP scientists participate in advanced international projects. Particularly noteworthy are the JUNO Reactor Experiment, which will provide new insights into neutrino properties in the coming years, “big” accelerator experiments (T2K, NOvA), and smaller-scale experiments that could lead to physics breakthroughs (COMET). Other projects DLNP researchers are involved in are the world-class SuperNEMO and LEGEND searching for neutrinoless double beta decay. DLNP physicists participate in high-energy cosmic ray studies and dark matter search experiments (Baikal-GVD, TAIGA, EDELWEISS/Ricochet Projects). Laboratory employees obtained physical results of fundamental importance at the Large Hadron Collider in the ATLAS Experiment; among other profoundly significant accomplishments are the development of semiconductor, scintillation and cryogenic detectors, as well as next-generation detecting systems.
Previously, DLNP successfully operated the Medical and Technical Complex (MTC), with Phasotron as its main facility. The MTC specialists were the first in Russia to develop and apply a method of three-dimensional precision irradiation of deep-seated tumours with a proton beam. Maximal dose distribution most accurately corresponds to the shape of the target, allowing the effective therapy for various neoplasms. About 100 patients were treated annually using the MTC proton beams. With the Phasotron now shut down, the Laboratory is working on a new project – the development of a specialised MSC-230 Cyclotron for hadron therapy and the production of PET isotopes (isotopes for positron emission tomographs).
All this makes the Laboratory an attractive research venue for both young and accomplished scientists from the JINR Member States.
