Inauguration of the first renovated building of the Montpellier physics laboratories
Sophie Béjean, Rector of the Occitanie academic region, Rector of the Montpellier Academy and Chancellor of Universities, and Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier, inaugurated the first renovated building of the Montpellier Physics Laboratories (LPM) on September 25, 2024. This €10 million "LPM Building 20" project, awarded to the University of Montpellier and funded by the State as part of Operation Campus , began in May 2021, with the building scheduled to open at the end of September 2022.
A landmark operation for physics research in Montpellier
The "LPM" operation is taking place in two phases to bring together the Charles Coulomb Laboratory and the Montpellier Universe and Particles Laboratory "University of Montpellier/CNRS." Currently scattered, they will eventually be brought together in two nearby, renovated buildings.
These buildings are also being completely restructured to accommodate the latest generation of high-tech scientific equipment needed for fundamental and applied research in physics.
The first phase focused on renovating and expanding Building 20 to turn it into a building dedicated solely to research. This building dates back to 1965 (single-story) and previously housed teaching, research, and campus life activities. It now has a surface area of 2,100 m² (with a 450 m² extension).
The two laboratories, L2C and LUPM, have more than 200 permanent staff (including 135 researchers and Professors) and 100 non-permanent staff (doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers, etc.). L2C is a fundamental and applied physics laboratory covering a wide range of topics: theoretical physics, physical chemistry, biophysics, with a foundation of theoretical and experimental research devoted to condensed matter and nanoscience. The LUPM is a laboratory dedicated to stellar astrophysics, astroparticles, high-energy astrophysics, particle physics, cosmology, and theoretical physics. It participates in observation projects such as the detection of gamma-ray bursts, the identification of neutrino signatures, wide-field observation of the early universe and the evolution of stars or stellar magnetism, as well as primordial signatures using nanosatellites.
Two objectives pursued for the renovation of Building 20
An energy renovation objective
This involves installing complete exterior insulation (walls and roof), replacing windows and climate control systems (with dual-flow air handling units), and changing the lighting (to LED).
A goal of major restructuring
The main challenge is to create high-performance research facilities equipped with state-of-the-art equipment (zonal temperature/humidity control, air treatment, vibration isolation, etc.), while also incorporating spaces for promotion (auditorium, meeting rooms, etc.).
The vast majority of Building 20 is dedicated to the L2C's experiments in optics, spectroscopy, and near-field microscopy: cutting-edge research on nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene), study of materials for quantum technologies, physics of quantum sensors and emitters, photonics in the UV domain, biophotonics, study of different materials (glass, semiconductors, etc.). These are delicate and ultra-precise experiments, requiring optimal thermal, hygrometric, vibratory, and electrical stability (essential for original and productive research that is internationally recognized). Facilities also allowing the use of cryogenic fluids (liquid nitrogen and helium). Gas distribution (Ar and He gas) is thus shared, as are chemistry rooms for sample preparation.
The second phase, "LPM – Building 13," is currently underway.
It involves the renovation of a second building located next door. This building, known as Building 13, is much larger, with a surface area of 9,300m², spread over six floors, one of which will be occupied by the LUPM. The other floors will house the offices and remaining experiments of the L2C. This second phase of the LPM project is estimated to cost more than €25 million. Work began in March 2023 and will be completed by the spring break of 2025.
Practical information:
- Date: September 25, 2024
- Location: Building 20 on the Triolet campus
