Zhejiang Private Enterprise Solves "Ghost Particle" Detection Challenge: Main Body of Jiangmen Neutrino Experiment Detector Completed

Zhejiang Private Enterprise Solves "Ghost Particle" Detection Challenge: Main Body of Jiangmen Neutrino Experiment Detector CompletedOn October 20th, the main body of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) detector, located 700 meters underground in Guangdong province, was completed, marking a significant milestone for this national scientific endeavor. The development of the detector's core component the acrylic protective covers for over 20,000 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) had presented an insurmountable challenge for both domestic and international research institutions and large enterprises

Zhejiang Private Enterprise Solves "Ghost Particle" Detection Challenge: Main Body of Jiangmen Neutrino Experiment Detector Completed

On October 20th, the main body of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) detector, located 700 meters underground in Guangdong province, was completed, marking a significant milestone for this national scientific endeavor. The development of the detector's core component the acrylic protective covers for over 20,000 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) had presented an insurmountable challenge for both domestic and international research institutions and large enterprises. This hurdle was ultimately overcome by Zhejiang Huashuai Special New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., a private company from Haishen, Zhejiang province. This breakthrough is crucial for the long-term safe operation of the JUNO experiment and highlights the responsibility and capability of Chinese private enterprises in national major scientific and technological projects.

Neutrinos, elementary particles nicknamed "ghost particles," travel at near light speed and are extremely difficult to detect, making them a forefront research topic in physics. Exploring the mysteries of neutrinos is of paramount importance to understanding the origin and evolution of the universe, and has become a key arena for competition in scientific strength among nations. The JUNO experiment, a large-scale scientific facility jointly constructed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Province, is scheduled to officially commence operation in August 2025, becoming one of the three major international centers for neutrino research.

Photomultiplier tubes are the "eyes" of the neutrino detector, responsible for capturing the faint signals emitted by neutrinos. However, their fragility poses a potential risk to the detector's safe operation. Over 20 years ago, the Super-Kamiokande neutrino experiment in Japan suffered an explosion due to a lack of protective measures for the PMTs, bringing the entire experiment to a standstill. Therefore, when the JUNO experiment was initiated in 2013, the development of PMT protective covers was identified as a key core technology challenge, aiming to equip these "eyes" with robust "eyelids" to ensure the smooth progress of the experiment.

However, developing these seemingly simple protective covers proved to be anything but easy. For years, numerous domestic and international research institutions and companies attempted to overcome this challenge without a breakthrough, thus hindering the progress of the JUNO experiment. In 2018, the Chinese Academy of Sciences issued a nationwide tender, and Zhejiang Huashuai Special New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., specializing in sound barrier products, emerged as the successful bidder, shouldering this responsibility.

At the time, Huashuai received only a blueprint containing minimal data and procurement quantities. Faced with such a monumental challenge, with the strong support of the Institute of High Energy Physics, CAS, Huashuai quickly formed a project research team. The company's core R&D team and technical backbone dedicated themselves to this challenge. The mold development phase alone took over six months, during which the company even forwent a 15 million RMB order from a renowned automobile manufacturer to focus entirely on developing the PMT protective covers.

After hundreds of tests and improvements, in June 2020, Huashuai finally developed acrylic protective covers that met the requirements, with key indicators like light transmittance exceeding the then world-leading level. These covers not only effectively protect the PMTs, ensuring their long-term stable operation, but their excellent performance also provides valuable experience for other neutrino experiments.

Paolo Lombardi, chief engineer of the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics, spoke highly of the achievement: "Without these protective covers, the JUNO experiment would not have been possible." Wang Yifang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, also stated: "This demonstrates the responsibility of Chinese private enterprises in tackling major core technological challenges and represents a significant advancement in China's scientific research capabilities. Huashuai's technological breakthrough and forward-looking vision can accumulate valuable experience for the smooth progress of other domestic and international neutrino experiments."

Yin Genhua, chairman of Huashuai, frankly admitted that developing these protective covers was not profitable; it could even be considered a "loss-making business." However, he believes that enterprises should not only pursue short-term profits but also focus on long-term development. "While contributing to the nation, the enterprise itself has seized opportunities for development. The future is bright and full of possibilities!" he said, adding that the losses from foregoing the multi-million RMB order ultimately translated into enhanced R&D capabilities and reputation for the company, and those lost orders are now gradually returning.

The completion of the JUNO detector's main body marks another major breakthrough for China in basic scientific research. This is not only the result of the joint efforts of scientists and research institutions, but also owes much to the active participation and contributions of Chinese private enterprises like Huashuai, which are willing to shoulder responsibilities and take on challenges. Their efforts not only provide safeguard for the JUNO experiment but also add a strong stroke to China's scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement. This is not only a successful technological breakthrough, but also a vivid portrayal of Chinese private enterprises contributing to the nation's scientific and technological development, showcasing the vigorous vitality and unlimited potential of China's scientific and technological innovation. The achievement provides valuable experience and confidence for the smooth progress of more major scientific projects in the future, foreshadowing even more brilliant achievements for China in the field of basic scientific research. Huashuai's success will surely inspire more Chinese enterprises to actively participate in the national scientific and technological undertaking, contributing to the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

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