At the Institute of Nuclear Physics, work on the Siberian Ring Photon Source began as GI Budker of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences organized the assembly of a synchrotron booster from preassembled segments. The institute’s press service reported this development.
SKIF stands as a 3 GeV generation 4 plus synchrotron radiation source located in the science city of Koltsovo, Siberia. The project aims to enable researchers to probe the structures of organic and inorganic substances with potential applications in genetics, pharmacology, geochemistry, and quantum chemistry. The project team envisions discoveries that could translate into advances across life sciences, materials science, and fundamental chemistry. This facility is envisioned as a stepping stone for deeper exploration of matter using advanced light sources and cutting edge experimental techniques. The initiative is backed by a network of researchers and engineers who are coordinating across disciplines to maximize scientific return [citation: Institute press service].
The booster synchrotron serves as an intermediate ring accelerator. It increases the energy of electrons in a beam from a starting value around two hundred megaelectronvolts to a peak near three thousand megaelectronvolts. The ring stretches across about one hundred fifty eight meters in circumference, and its components are engineered with extreme precision. The magnetic elements, vacuum pumps, and control systems are mounted on specialized stands with tolerance levels measured in mere microns to preserve beam quality and stability. This level of precision is critical for achieving the high brightness and stability required for advanced experiments. The design reflects a philosophy of modular construction, where key subsystems are fabricated in laboratories and then integrated in a dedicated accelerating tunnel to form a coherent, high performance accelerator complex [citation: Institute press service].
The development strategy emphasizes assembling relatively small, well characterized modules in controlled lab environments. Once individual modules pass meticulous testing, they are transported to the accelerator hall and connected to form the complete booster ring. This approach allows for continuous verification of alignment, calibration, and performance at each integration stage, reducing risk and enabling careful optimization of beam dynamics. Engineers and technicians collaborate to ensure that the interfaces between modules meet stringent specifications, supporting reliable operation under demanding experimental conditions. The phased construction plan prioritizes maintaining tight tolerances while enabling iterative improvements as design insights emerge [citation: Institute press service].
In addition to the booster, researchers describe a broader timeline for SKIF that anticipates final commissioning following the year two thousand twenty four. The overall project envisions a user program that will support researchers from national and international institutions, providing access to high brightness photon beams for a wide range of experiments. The facility is expected to foster collaborations across fields, from fundamental physics to applied sciences, and to contribute to the growth of regional science infrastructure through training, technology transfer, and the development of specialized capabilities in instrumentation and data analysis [citation: Institute press service].