First Heavy Ion Beam Obtained at DC-140 Accelerator of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia

The Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russia, has completed the construction of the DC-140 accelerator complex and obtained an accelerated heavy ion beam for the first time during commissioning on August 4. This achievement marks significant progress in the JINR applied technology development program and signifies that a new ion beam platform designed to meet scientific and industrial needs for decades to come has entered its critical commissioning phase.

The DC-140 project was launched in 2020 to replace the existing U-200 and IC-100 cyclotron complex. The new facility is designed to address a wide range of fundamental and applied research needs, including solid-state physics, radiation materials science, material surface modification, and track membrane production. In addition, radiation tolerance testing of electronic components and single-event effects research will become important application areas, which hold practical significance for industries such as aerospace, nuclear energy, and high-reliability electronic systems.

To build this accelerator complex, the laboratory carried out large-scale infrastructure renovation. In Building 101 of the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, new experimental bays were constructed after the removal of old equipment; simultaneously, the installation and initial commissioning of accelerator components proceeded in parallel, and the building's engineering systems underwent comprehensive modernization. By August 2026, the civil construction and installation phase was essentially complete, followed by integrated commissioning work.

In the first beam experiment, researchers successfully obtained a krypton heavy ion beam at the DC-140 exit, with ion species 84Kr11+ and an energy of 2.124 MeV. JINR Director and Russian Academy of Sciences Academician Grigory Trubnikov congratulated the laboratory team, noting that the project was long in duration and highly challenging, but ultimately resulted in the construction of a unique research facility and advanced infrastructure that will provide long-term support for scientists from Dubna and JINR member states in materials irradiation and ion beam research.

The laboratory staff dedicated the launch of the new accelerator complex to the late JINR Vice-Director Sergey Dmitriev, in commemoration of his significant contributions to the development of applied research. The Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions team also expressed gratitude to the institute's management and all relevant departments for their support and collaboration during project implementation.