INNOVATION May-June 2017

2016 | ❖

2017 Project Highlights

Stable cryogenic environment helps trap antimatter

The Antihydrogen Laser Physics Apparatus (ALPHA) Collaboration at CERN recently announced the first-ever laser spectroscopy of antihydrogen within a cryogenic antimatter trap. Most atoms— including antihydrogen atoms— moving through magnetic fields gain and lose energy as the strength of the field changes. Some very low–energy atoms convert all of their kinetic energy to potential energy, slowing them and allowing them to be captured within a strong magnetic field. TRIUMF played a key role in the design and construction of the apparatus that creates the stable, super-cold environment required for trapping and studying antihydrogen. The ALPHA-2 cryostat maintains a liquid helium bath at 4.2 Kelvin (–268.0 o C) and ultrahigh vacuum (10^–11 Torr).

The cryogenic conditions support a 1,000-amp superconducting wire, wound in such a way to produce eight poles within a single ‘octupole’ magnet, and seven other superconducting wires that power five mirror magnets and two solenoids. The octupole magnet provides transverse confinement, while the mirror magnets and solenoids provide axial confinement. This configuration binds the antiatom in all three dimensions. Once the assembly traps antimatter, CERN physicists use laser spectroscopy to manipulate and study it, as documented in ALPHA’s December 2016 paper published in Nature . APEGBC member: Don Dale, P.Eng. (P hoto : B ryce M aximilien , CERN)

Generating station replacement improves safety and output

The John Hart Generating Station, in the City of Campbell River, BC, has been operating since 1947. The BC Hydro-owned and -operated facility is being replaced to ensure it continues to deliver clean, reliable energy. In February 2014, BC Hydro awarded the project contract to InPower BC. The Aecon and SNC-Lavalin Constructors Pacific Inc. joint venture was awarded the civil construction work. The project comprises an innovative, underground powerhouse that will provide seismic safety, improve electricity output, and provide consistent flows to the Campbell River. AECON’s team led the civil design and construction of a new water intake, replacement of three 1.8-kilometre-long above-ground penstocks with a 2.1-kilometre- long tunnel, and construction of a new underground generating station and a new water bypass facility. APEGBC members, AECON Group: Scott Marshall, P.Eng., Richard Tame, P.Eng., Nathalie Dinnissen, P.Eng., Brad Chow, P.Eng., Jerome Boucher, P.Eng., Ratko Ivanovic, EIT, Francis Gonella, EIT, Jason Stewart, EIT

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