HEF-ex 2024 group photo

Test experiments or participation in physics experiments

Physics experiments are underway at each beamline, but applications for parasitic experiments or short test experiments (<24 hours) are possible. We also welcome inquiries about participating in physics experiments. For inquiries, please contact hua-beam@ml.post.kek.jp.

Beam operation schedule

Autumn–Winter 2026

November 25–the morning of December 21, 2026

Experiments E72, E45, and E104 are scheduled at K1.8BR, E63 at K1.8, E14 at KL, and E16 at the high-p line (primary beam mode).

After this beam time, the K1.8BR area will be modified in preparation for the E80 experiment.

Spring–Summer 2027

June 2027

The high-p line is expected to operate in secondary beam mode, but a decision at the next PAC meeting is required.

Autumn–Winter 2027

Beam time is under negotiation.

Beamline specifications

BeamlineParticlesMomentum [GeV/c]Intensity [particles/spill]Characteristics
Beamlines in the present facility
K1.8 (A)K±, π±1.0–2.0∼106 K− (1.8 GeV/c)Mass separated
K1.8BR (A)K±, π±<1.1∼5×105 K− (1.0 GeV/c)Mass separated
KL (A)KLMean 2.1107 KL16° extraction angle
high-p (B)p30.91010 pPrimary protons (30 GeV)
π20 (B)Mixed (π±, p±, K±, etc.)<316×107 (final design) – 105 (current)Secondary beam
COMET (C)μ−——For μ−→e−
Beamlines in the extended area (future plans)
K1.1K±, π±<1.2∼4×105 K− (1.1 GeV/c)Mass separated
K1.1BRK±, π±0.7–0.8∼1.5×105 K−Mass separated
HIHRπ±<2.0∼2×108 π (1.2 GeV/c)Mass separated; 10-fold improvement in Δp/p
K10K±, π±, p̄<10∼7×106 K−Mass separated
KL2KLMean ∼5∼4×107 KL5° extraction angle; optimized n/KL

Overview of beams at the Hadron Experimental Facility

Experiments at the J-PARC Hadron Experimental Facility use proton beams extracted from the Main Ring (MR). These protons can either strike a production target to generate secondary particles or be used directly in experiments. The A, B, and C lines serve different roles.

3D bird's-eye view of the J-PARC Hadron Experimental Facility
A line: secondary particles produced at a target

Protons extracted from the MR with a kinetic energy of 30 GeV strike a production target. The resulting secondary particles are transported along beamlines for use in experiments. The A line includes the K1.8, K1.8BR, and KL beamlines.

K1.8 and K1.8BR are operated alternately by switching the beam between them. For example, beam can be delivered to K1.8BR while the experimental setup at K1.8 is being changed. Beam can be delivered to KL simultaneously with either K1.8 or K1.8BR.

B line: direct use of the MR proton beam or use of high-momentum secondary particles

A small fraction of the proton beam from the MR is extracted and used directly in experiments. This line is commonly known as the high-momentum beamline (high-p). The pi20 project, which uses secondary particles, is also underway.

C line: an 8 GeV proton beam

The C line uses a proton beam with a kinetic energy of 8 GeV. The COMET experiment uses this line.

Operating modes

The A and B lines can operate simultaneously. The C line is generally operated on its own, while simultaneous A+C operation is also being planned.

Related information