The MicroBooNE detector serves as a necessary next step in a phased program towards the construction of massive, kilo-ton range, LArTPC detectors. The program to date at Fermilab consists of : the argon TPC and argon purity test stands at the PAB lab; ArgoNeuT, a small liquid argon TPC placed in the MINOS Hall in the NuMI beam line; and LAPD, the Liquid Argon Purity Demonstration, a technical test of a cryogenic plant to attain liquid argon purity in a 20-ton vessel sufficient for TPC operation. Various members of MicroBooNE participate in one or more of these activities.

The goal of the R&D program is the construction of 20-ton detector for the Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment, LBNE.