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Fermilab


The Feynman Computing Center, ;ooking a bit like a concrete version of the old Cray-1 computer.
A close up of the meson lab. These facilities are built massively, and are partially underground. High energy physics, as the name implies, uses quite a bit of energy.
The interestingly named Proton Pagoda.
This building is simply named The Geodesic Dome. I have no clue of what it actually does.
Left:
Another cutting edge computing facility is the Grid Computing Center.

Below:
A view down the power lines, as well as some of the transformers.
Cross sections of some of the magnets used here. According to our guide, teh dipoles push, while the quadrupoles focus.
Left:
Ramsey auditorium. This was built for lectures, as well as for public performances and programs. The black walnut adorning the stage area, is from a grove of trees found right on the site. The contractors were specifically ordered not to cut these trees down. hen they did, director Wilson called up the state patrol to chase down the trucks carrying the lumber. In leau of a fine, the contractor was required to use this lumber to build the stage enclosure, as well as a black walnut ceiling in the outer lobby.

Below:
Signatures of the team, at the installation of the final magnet to the injector.
Above:
One of the server rooms, here at Fermilab.

Left:
One of the shops here. If something breaks, you don't call the local repairman, if something needs to be replaced, you don't order it from a catalog.
Left:
A view down the hall above the Linac.

Below:
The Cockcroft/Wilson machine. Looking a bit likes something out of a thirties science fiction movie, this is an ion source, and qualifies as being a type of accelerator in it's own right.
Part of the cooling water system. The water is deionized, before being used for cooling. It is drawn from the large ponds flowing above the accelerators.
Left:
A look at one of the control panels, for one of the RF generators of the Linac.

Below:
A more complete look at the control console.
Cancer may be treated, by exposing patients to a carefully focused, and moderated beam of neutrons. This is much more effective than traditional radiation therapy which uses X-rays.
Left:
The klystron buncher. A klystron tube generated radar and microwaves. I have no idea how this particular items helps in the operation of the Linac; but it looks neat.

Below:
Another look down the hall above the Linac.
Left:
Taking a peek, through the window of the control room.

Below:
The control room, looking pretty much the way you would expect.
When the Tevatron goes off line, in a few years, this will nto be the end for high energy acceleration experiments here. Fermi will still be doing it's antimatter work; but it will also continue with it's traditional work, via remote control, in cooperation with CERN. This will be accomplished though the control center show here.
Left:
A look through the window if the darkened remote operations center. This is destined to be a pretty busy place, a few years down the road. Much of the CERN technology was designed, and even built, here at Fermi.

Below:
A look at the control consoles.