Underground Science Facility

An Underground Science Facility (USF) provides an environment free of the cosmic ray background, and hence allows the study of rare processes that would otherwise not be identified.  It therefore opens up opportunities for experiments in particle physics, astroparticle physics, and nuclear physics. In particular, detectors for neutrino and dark matter searches need to be hosted underground. Additionally, underground laboratories provide a highly conducive environment for biophysics and geophysics research. They are ideally located to explore the impact of low-level radiation on biological systems and cellular mechanisms, as well as to host a seismological observatory. The internal structure of the Earth can be probed at such a facility through a combination of seismic modes and neutrinos.

The benefits that such a facility would bring to Indian science are tremendous. The Mega Science Vision - 2035 documents, published by the office of the PSA, mention this as a priority. Efforts are on to build a USF that would cater to basic and applied sciences as well as technology. The panel discussion will bring out the current status and invite innovative ideas for conducting experiments at such a facility.