GIF UPGRADE PROJECT

The existing GIF facility allows testing in situ detectors exposed to a high gamma flux from an intense Cs-137 source. Until 2004, detectors placed in the GIF facility could simultaneously be tested in the SPS X5 fixed target beam. Following the dismounting of the SPS West Area beams simultaneous beam tests are no longer possible at GIF and the facility is scheduled to be shutdown in 2009.

However, detector communities express the strong need of having access to a similar facility, modernized to cope with the needs imposed by the planned R&D for LHC upgrade (sLHC). GIF++ will be used to probe efficiently LHC test detectors, establish recovery plans and validate sLHC detector prototypes.

The following objectives have been defined:

• Elaboration and evaluation of different scenarios to construct a new CERN gamma irradiation facility (GIF++), optimized for an effective SLHC R&D program.

• Produce the design specifications for the optimal gamma irradiation facility: freeze the technical requirements for the new source and coexisting particle beam - if any, the area layout, and general and peripheral infrastructure.

• Set-up the common infrastructure for the optimal and efficient use of the GIF++ facility by the different user communities (detector, accelerator, radioprotection)

• Build and operate the facility.

INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FACILITY