Armenia launches linear accelerator

The Yerevan-based synchrotron research center CANDLE (Center for the Advancement of Natural Discoveries using Light Emission) has launched a linear accelerator, the first ever in Armenia and the South Caucasus region.

The invention, AREAL (Advanced Research Electron Accelerator Laboratory), is an applied device which also has a scientific significance in the areas of physics, chemistry, biology and material technologies.

Speaking to reporters, CEO of CANDLE Foundation Vasily Tsakanov explained the device’s significance. “We successfully completed the first round, enabling Armenia to build a modern accelerator which is an exceptional phenomenon; and not only for the region,” he said, noting that linears of the kind are available only in developed countries.

Tsakanov added that the accelerator center has equipped their institute with ultra-modern devices that helped create a modern accelerator.

AREAL will thus help obtain ultra-short impulses of an electron bunch, which is now a priority trend in most leading centers across the globe.

“The key engineering personnel comprised young people. Two laboratories will be put into operation this October. We have received 15 bids from different research centers to conduct research in our institute,” Vasily Tsakanov said.

Chairman of the State Committee on Science Samvel Harutyunyan called the CANDLE-created accelerator an “act of heroism.”

“After the USSR disintegration, Armenia found itself in a disastrous situation because of absence of centralized funding. What has been done during the past three or four years, that is, this laboratory created by CANDLE with limited financing, which is a unique phenomenon in the region, is a real act of heroism,” he said.

“Armenia is going to join Europe’s Accelerator Assembly, which means that we are joining the European scientific area and some of European projects will be implemented in Armenia. Experts estimate this program at €20m, with Armenia’s expenditures totaling AMD 320-350m ($785,000-$255,000). The rest has been donated by our European partners,” he said.