Welcome to the Accelerators and Technologies Sector
The ATS oversees the operation of CERN's accelerator complex which includes the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). ATS manages the deployment, operation, and development of all accelerator technologies that underpin current and future operation.
Aligned with the Organization's strategic objectives, the sector guarantees the design, development, and implementation of upgrades to existing facilities. Additionally, it accommodates future accelerator projects, and related research and development.
Core activities
Ensure safe and effective exploitation of the accelerators complex and its experimental facilities.
The aging accelerator complex requires continuous maintenance and consolidation, with significant planned upgrades like the High Luminosity LHC.
Maintain expertise in accelerator technologies and related support facilities. Coordinate R&D programs for future particle accelerators in collaboration with European and international partners.
Explore options for post-HL-LHC operation in the early 2040s, such as the Future Circular Collider (FCC) study, which explores collider possibilities within a 91 km circular tunnel in the local area.
Operate, maintain and develop CERN's extensive Technical Infrastructure (electrical network, cooling and ventilation, handling engineering, access and alarms)
State-of-the-art particle accelerators and detectors cannot be bought off the shelf. They come to life in workshops staffed by teams of highly skilled engineers and technicians
Latest News
Accelerator Report: The excellent 2024 LHC run ended abruptly
The LHC was scheduled to conclude its outstanding 2024 run on 25 November, but a massive magnet quench brought it to an end two days early
Read moreRecord data for the LHC in 2024
The LHC’s tenth year of operation ends with exceptional data collection
Read moreAccelerator Report: Lead ions at the heart of the accelerator complex
Lead-ion physics at the LHC and the SPS North Area is already under way and progressing well. The final lead-ion user in the PS East Area started its physics run on 13 November
Read moreAccelerator Report: Lead ions take the stage
As the LHC and SPS wrap up their 2024 proton run, teams are making final preparations for the lead-ion physics run starting on 4 November
Read moreAccelerator Report: Ending the 2024 LHC proton run on a high note
This year’s LHC proton run ended on 16 October, surpassing expectations with 11% more collisions than planned. Next up: the lead-ion run
Read more