The inauguration of the first renovated building at the Montpellier Physics Laboratories
Sophie Béjean, Rector of the Occitanie Academic Region, Rector of the Montpellier Academy, and Chancellor of the Universities, along with Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier, inaugurated the first renovated building of the Montpellier Physics Laboratories (LPM) on September 25, 2024. This “Building 20 LPM” project, with a budget of €10 million allocated to the University of Montpellier and funded by the government as part of the Campus Initiative began in May 2021, with the building set to open in late September 2022.
A landmark initiative for physics research in Montpellier
The “LPM” project is being carried out in two phases to merge the Charles Coulomb Laboratory with the Montpellier Universe and Particles Laboratory (University of Montpellier/CNRS). Currently spread out across various locations, they will eventually be brought together in two nearby, renovated buildings.
These buildings are also being completely renovated to house state-of-the-art, high-tech scientific equipment needed for basic and applied research in physics.
The first phase focused on the renovation and expansion of Building 20 to transform it into a dedicated research facility. The building, which dates back to 1965 (and is a single-story structure), previously housed teaching, research, and campus life activities. It now has a total floor area of 2,100 square meters (including a 450-square-meter expansion).
The two laboratories, L2C and LUPM, employ more than 200 permanent staff (including 135 researchers and Professors) and 100 non-permanent staff (doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, etc.). L2C is a laboratory for fundamental and applied physics, covering a wide range of topics: theoretical physics, physical chemistry, and biophysics, with a foundation of theoretical and experimental research focused on condensed matter and nanosciences. The LUPM is a laboratory dedicated to stellar astrophysics, astroparticles, high-energy astrophysics, particle physics, cosmology, and theoretical physics. It participates in observational projects such as the detection of gamma-ray bursts, the detection of neutrino signatures, wide-field observations of the early universe and the evolution of stars or stellar magnetism, as well as the detection of primordial signatures using nanosatellites.
Two objectives for the renovation of Building 20
An energy-efficiency renovation goal
This involves installing comprehensive exterior insulation (on walls and the roof), replacing windows and HVAC systems (with dual-flow air handling units), and upgrading the lighting (to LED).
A goal of major restructuring
The key challenge is to create high-performance research facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology (zone-specific temperature and humidity control, air handling systems, vibration isolation, etc.), while also incorporating spaces for outreach activities (auditorium, meeting rooms, etc.).
The vast majority of Building 20 is dedicated to the L2C’s near-field optics, spectroscopy, and microscopy experiments: cutting-edge research on nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene), the study of materials for quantum technologies, the physics of quantum sensors and emitters, photonics in the UV range, biophotonics, and the study of various materials (glasses, semiconductors, etc.). Delicate and ultra-precise experiments requiring stable thermal, humidity, vibration, and electrical conditions (essential for original and productive research recognized internationally). Facilities also allow for the use of cryogenic fluids (liquid nitrogen and helium). A gas distribution system (Ar and He gas) is shared, as are chemistry labs for sample preparation.
The second phase, "LPM – Building 13," is currently underway
It involves the renovation of a second building located next door. Building 13 is much larger, with a floor area of 9,300square meters spread over six floors, one of which will be occupied by the LUPM. The remaining floors will house the L2C’s offices and remaining laboratories. This second phase of the LPM project is estimated to cost over €25 million. Construction began in March 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by the spring break of 2025.
Practical information:
- Date: September 25, 2024
- Location: Building 20 on the Triolet Campus
