Page 93 - A Life - my Live - my path

7. Computerization of the cyclotron

A real adventure
Threatened with dismissal for serious misconduct

The cyclotron was built on a solid foundation of knowledge.
The CGR-MEV had already built several others. Everything
worked perfectly fine, however the principles dated back to
the end of the sixties. Most definitely, technological
improvements were made with each new build, but the
concepts remained the same.

For several years, I had been interested in the evolution of
computing, and because I was taking courses at the ULB,
I was "State of the Art" both for materials and for
methodologies and new technologies.
The IRE was constantly looking for projects to obtain
investment credits. I therefore proposed to computerize part
of the operation of the cyclotron. I submitted a project which
was accepted in principle and a fund of 60 million Belgian
francs (1.5 M€) was released.
Being responsible for this project, I wanted - given my
age (33) - for it to be a success. For the choice of the
subcontractor, I had established rigorous specifications.

I had also planned to be assisted by a professor from ULB,
specialized in physics . We received several offers and after
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analysis, the professor gave us a report with his

81 Paul VAN BINST, professor at ’ULB
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