The State Key Laboratory of Particle Astrophysics is affiliated with the Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Its predecessor was the Cosmic Ray Research Group established in 1951 at the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, which later evolved into the Institute of Atomic Energy and Cosmic Ray Division of the Institute of High Energy Physics. Renowned physicists such as Zhang Wenyu, Wang Ganchang, and Xiao Jian have served as directors of this division, while prominent physicists Qian Sanqiang and He Zehui have consistently shown concern and participated in the scientific research of this division. In April 1997, with the approval of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the "Open Laboratory for Cosmic Rays and High-Energy Astrophysics" was established; in July 2003, it was renamed the "Key Laboratory for Particle Astrophysics". In April 2024, a restructuring plan was submitted to the Ministry of Science and Technology, and in January 2025, it received formal approval from the state and was included in the sequence of State Key Laboratories of China.
The history of particle astrophysics research can be divided into four main stages, each accompanied by a change in laboratory directorship and a transformation in research direction.
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First Stage (1950-1956)
Cosmic Ray Group, Institute of Modern Physics and Institute of PhysicsDirector:
Wang Ganchang (Group Leader), Xiao Jian (Deputy Group Leader)
Research:
Properties of cosmic rays, interactions between cosmic rays and matter, particle physics.
Achievements:
Established China's first cosmic ray research group, designed and operated a small cloud chamber, laying the foundation for subsequent research.
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Second Stage (1956-1972)
Cosmic Ray Division, Institute of Physics and Atomic Energy InstituteDirector:
Zhang Wenyu (Division Director), Xiao Jian (Deputy Director), Huo Anxiang (Deputy Director)
Research:
High-energy physics, cosmic ray physics, nuclear emulsion detection.
Achievements:
Constructed the first Cosmic Ray Observatory in Luoxue Mountain, Dongchuan, Yunnan, China; the large cloud chamber system was put into operation, becoming a world-leading detection device at the time. In 1972, the large cloud chamber recorded a massive, long-lived charged particle, also known as the "Yunnan Station Event (1972)".
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Third Stage (1973-1996)
Cosmic Ray Division, After the Establishment of the Institute of High Energy PhysicsDirector:
Huo Anxiang (1973-1986), Lu Zhuguo (1986-1989), Ding Linkai (1990-1994), Ma Yuqian (1995-1996)
Research:
Extended air shower detection, high-altitude balloon technology, space astronomy, international cooperation.
Achievements:
Engaged in international cooperation, explored new research directions and technics; Alpine emulsion detection of cosmic rays has reached an internationally advanced level; The Yangbajing Cosmic Ray Observatory in Tibet began construction, with the Sino-Japanese ASγ and China-Italy ARGO-YBJ experiments initiated thereon; the volume and payload capacity of high-altitude balloons continued to increase; successfully developed multiple types of balloon-borne hard X-ray detectors, achieving a breakthrough in China's balloon-borne space astronomy observations.
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Fourth Stage (1997-2024)
Key Laboratory of the Chinese Academy of SciencesDirector:
Ma Yuqian (1997-2001), Zhang Shuangnan (2002-2024)
Research:
Cosmic ray physics, high-energy astrophysics, cosmology, space astronomy, dark matter detection.
Achievements:
• YBJ Observatory : The ASγ and ARGO-YBJ experiment have achieved significant results, greatly elevating China’s international status in VHE gamma-ray astrophysics.
• High-altitude balloon technology : With a volume of 400,000 m³ and payload capacity of 700 kg, the balloons provide a crucial platform for high-altitude detection.
• Space astronomy : China’s first X-ray astronomical satellite, Insight-HXMT, was successfully launched in 2017, marking China's entry into the international forefront of space high-energy astrophysics detection.
• International cooperation: Significant breakthroughs achieved with POLAR and GECAM.
• Major ground-based project : LHAASO has been completed, becoming a world-leading cosmic ray detection facility.
Particle astrophysics has evolved from cosmic ray experiments, progressing from cloud chamber detection to ground arrays and from single-discipline to multidisciplinary research. Through international collaboration, technological innovation, and major projects, it has achieved significant advances in theoretical research, experimental facilities, and research outputs, setting a strong foundation for future development.