Subatomic Physics Platform

The Plateforme d'instrumentation et de physique subatomique (Instrumentation and Subatomic Physics Platform) is an educational facility for practical training in experimental nuclear physics. Shared by UGA and Grenoble INP, the platform is the only training center for experimental nuclear physics in the Grenoble area, and plays a central role in all the courses that use it. The platform, based on the LPSC premises, was completely refurbished in 2015 thanks to funding from the ENIGMAS labex, UGA and Grenoble INP.

The heart of the platform consists of a large openspace housing some twenty experimental workstations (some of which are unique in a French university). It is complemented by two computer rooms and a lecture room. The experiments on offer enable students to familiarize themselves with the different types of ionizing radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, neutrons, cosmic muons), to study how they are produced and how they interact in matter, and to handle the different detector technologies (scintillators, semiconductors, ionization detectors) used to characterize these emissions.

These experiments can be oriented towards fundamental physics (nuclear and particle physics), medical and industrial applications of radiation, as well as notions of radiation protection. In some courses, IT tools are used to complement these courses with an introduction to simulation and advanced data analysis. In particular, a 10-station computer room is equipped to simulate the operation of 1300MW PWR nuclear reactors using SIREP software (developed by CORYS). The platform welcomes around 600 students every year, mainly from the Phitem and Medicine departments, and from Grenoble INP's Phelma and ENSE3 schools.

Published on March 9, 2017
Updated on September 17, 2025