Pfeiffer Vacuum has officially announced a major contract to supply a significant volume of turbomolecular pumps and custom-engineered vacuum chambers to GANIL (Grand Accélérateur National d’Ions Lourds), a premier French research institute. This partnership marks a critical step in the development of the SPIRAL2-DESIR project, reinforcing the role of high-end vacuum pump solutions in the field of experimental particle physics.

Located in Normandy, GANIL has been a cornerstone of international heavy ion research since 1983. Alongside institutions like the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Germany, GANIL facilitates global scientific collaboration, including the FAIR project in Darmstadt and the SPIRAL2-DESIR facility. The particle accelerators at this center generate a wide spectrum of ion beams used to synthesize superheavy nuclei—exotic atoms that do not exist under natural conditions. These beams are essential for breakthroughs in nuclear physics, astrophysics, material science, and radiotherapy.

For this demanding application, GANIL selected the HiPace 700 M turbomolecular pump. Dr. Dirk Budelmann, Market Manager for Research and Development at Pfeiffer Vacuum, expressed pride in the selection, noting that their cutting-edge advanced vacuum technology will be integrated directly into the new SPIRAL2-DESIR linear accelerator. The HiPace M series is specifically designed to meet the rigorous standards of large-scale scientific instruments.

The HiPace 700 M stands out due to its compact design, high gas throughput, and remarkably low power consumption. A key innovation is its "active electromagnetic bearing" system. This technology continuously monitors and adjusts the rotor position in real-time. Coupled with automatic unbalance compensation, it ensures the rotor operates with zero wear and minimal vibration. Furthermore, this bearing technology is entirely oil-free and maintenance-free, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of industrial vacuum components in sensitive research environments.

As particle accelerator requirements continue to evolve, Pfeiffer Vacuum remains at the forefront by developing customized solutions. The integration of these turbopumps into the SPIRAL2-DESIR project ensures that researchers can achieve the stable, ultra-clean vacuum conditions necessary for the next generation of nuclear physics experiments.