Day of the Maier-Leibnitz-Laboratorium (MLL) on 15 May 2008

With the tandem accelerator and other instruments MLL is a vibrant hub in experimental and theoretical nuclear, particle and astro-particle physics – this became clear at this year’s MLL Day on 15 May. The Universe Cluster supports start-up investments for new projects at the MLL, e.g. the building of the ultra-cold neutron (UCN) source and for local infrastructures like the expansion of the underground lab.

As a joint lab of TUM and LMU, the MLL contributes to a number of large experiments as LHC at CERN or Borexino in the Gran Sasso Lab and was “the incubator of the Excellence Cluster Universe”, as MLL director Reiner Krücken put it. More than 100 participants were then provided with an update on current research at MLL, spanning from “classical” nuclear physics and ion beam applications to astro-particle physics and string cosmology. In her talk, Dorothee Schaile gave an update on the ATLAS detector in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, stressing MLL’s support in obtaining third party funds. Stephan Paul, coordinator of the Excellence Cluster Universe, presented the roadmap and progress of UCN source. He pointed out that the FRM II reactor in Garching offered all experiments required for particle physics with neutrons. The major challenge to face now was “to become the global leader in the UCN field”.

However, the application areas of MLL are not limited to purely physical experiments. The instruments are used more and more in interdisciplinary research, e.g. for biological experiments to investigate DNA repair mechanisms and in materials research. Additional experimental scenarios emerge in the field of laser acceleration and applications. In his talk, Dieter Habs from the MAP Cluster reported on recent experiments relevant for medicine and energy generation. As every year, the event was concluded with a traditional “Bayerische Brotzeit” offering the ideal setting for lively discussions on the talks of the day.

Agenda and talks of the MLL Day

by B. Wankerl