Underground Science Research Facilities in the United States, the Transition from Mine Tenant to Facility Operator

摘要

The underground physics research community (UPRC) in the United States has historically conductedrnresearch in underground mines. Because underground mines exist for the purposes of ore extraction,rnresearch activities sometimes take a secondary role. Underground science has matured, as second andrnthird generation experiments have demonstrated the continuing benefit of such research. Successrnbreeds interest, so the demand for underground research space has increased. Hence the need for arndedicated underground laboratory has been recognized and pursued. As a result, the UPRC mustrntransition from the past role of mine tenant to the future role of facility operator.rnThis paper outlines the historical uses of underground space for physics research in the United States,rndescribes ongoing U.S. experiments and laboratories, lists ongoing international laboratories, describesrncurrent efforts to create a National Underground Science Laboratory in the U.S., describes thernexperiment requiring the largest cavern and outlines the roles and responsibilities of undergroundrnfacility operators.