The commissioning of the linear electron accelerator LINAC-200 is underway in the Laboratory of Nuclear Problems. It is expected that the accelerator will allow conducting methodical research of particle detectors developed in DLNP and other laboratories on test electron beams with the energy range of 20 – 200 MeV in a wide diapason of beam intensity. The energy of electrons may be potentially increased up to 2 GeV.

The history of the creation of this facility at JINR started twenty years ago when the DELSY synchrotronic source project was being prepared. For this purpose, the MEA linear electron accelerator intended for the energy of 800 MeV was transported to Dubna from the Netherlands. It is well known that the DELSY project was not accomplished for certain reasons. However, the installation of the MEA accelerator was continued in FLNP building 118 in the hall, previously meant for the LIU-30 accelerator, within the project of International Linear Collider. The gun and four of thirteen accelerating sections were assembled, which made it possible to accelerate electrons to the energy of 200 MeV. The accelerator itself is in an excellent condition, though some units and the control station still need to be upgraded.

After the accelerator was transferred to DLNP, a new phase was set up. A new linear accelerator sector was founded within the Scientific and Experimental Department of colliding beams. By concerted efforts, the team led by Head of the seсtor M. I. Gostkin and Chief Engineer of the facility V. V. Kobets installs and adjusts the accelerator and the test beams. There are young graduates from the MEPhI, Tomsk Polytechnic University, and Dubna State University among the staff members. The linear accelerator and the test electron beams with all necessary equipment will be put into operation after the repairs in building 118 are finished. It is expected in 2020.

More photos are available via the link

Source: DLNP website