Advanced Particle Detector Laboratory

The Advanced Particle Detector Lab (APD-Lab) at Texas Tech University is a 5,000-SQ FT facility that houses a large ISO7 cleanroom, labs, open large work space, loading dock, and offices.

It is built for high-energy particle detector R&D and an assembly of over 5,000 silicon modules for the next generation of high-granularity calorimeters (so-called HGCAL) to be deployed at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), a research organization that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world in Geneva, Switzerland. The HGCAL is a multi-million dollar project funded by the US Department of Energy. Our cleanroom was partially funded by Ray Robbins to honor his friend Michael N. Clingan, a TTU physics graduate student in 1970s, in a way that brings out what is best in our human spirit.  

TTU's high-energy physics team is internationally recognized as leaders in the development and construction of calorimeters, which are a type of detector that measures the energies of fundamental particles from high energy collisions. Currently, HEP faculty, postdoctoral fellows, engineers, technicians, graduate and undergraduate students work in the APD-Lab. Our mid-term plans call for enhancing our current capabilities through full-time staffing by engineers who are high-level electronics designers. We aim to build a preeminent institution in the area of particle physics detectors at the most advanced level.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

“Particles studying Particles”: At the Advanced Particle Detector Lab, we foster an environment of support and opportunity for all members of our community, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability. Through a “particles studying particles” mentality, we strive to create a positive, respectful environment of shared inquiry and learning for everyone. For more information on how Texas Tech University and the Advanced Particle Detector Lab are supporting a more diverse work and research environment, visit the TTU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.