As elementary particles are rather smaller than molecules and atoms, they are invisible not only to the naked eye but also to electron microscopes. Thus, for the study of elementary particles and atomic nuclei, high performance detectors are needed. With the advance of large-scale accelerators, the performance of detectors can often determine the success or failure of the study. KEK has also laid stress also on the improvement of detector technologies. In addition, for research work regarding material structures with X-ray and neutron radiations, space observation with balloons, front medical treatments such as PET, and the nondestructive inspection of factory products, the detection technologies used for elementary particles are very important.
To further advance the technologies for detectors, the “KEK Detector Technology Project (KEKDTP)” has started in the Institute of Elementary Particles and Atomic Nuclei of KEK. We introduce here some of its activities.
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