Application of distributed temperature sensor for fire and cryogenic leak detection in accelerator tunnels

High-energy accelerators like CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) present hazards characterized by temperature variations such as cryogenic leak or fire. Considering that LHC tunnels are large, underground, and radioactive areas, alternatives to traditional systems are explored to improve hazard detection. CERN is investigating the feasibility of installing a large-scale temperature monitoring system in LHC tunnels using Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) technology. Based on optical fibre, such a system would be resistant to the LHC radioactive environment and could detect temperature anomalies associated with both fire and cryogenic leak events. This paper presents ongoing studies and a prototype of DTS equipment in the LHC tunnel installed and tested at the beginning of 2025. This publication evaluates the DTS as a safety enhancement tool for accelerator facilities. The potential improvements brought by installing a DTS in LHC tunnels will also be discussed.