First Seven Experimental Stations of Russia's SKIF Synchrotron Planned for Commissioning in Summer 2027

The first seven scientific experimental stations at the Siberian Circular Photon Source (SKIF) shared center, located near Novosibirsk, Russia, are planned to begin beam testing in August 2027. According to the center's relevant official, all experimental station equipment has been fully installed, and experts are currently conducting commissioning work.

Construction of the SKIF synchrotron was completed in June 2026. Once the project becomes operational, it will utilize synchrotron radiation to help researchers "observe" the internal structure of matter, obtaining high-precision data on material structure and behavior, which can serve fundamental research and related industrial R&D.

As planned, the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences will launch beam operation in the main storage ring in September. Relevant personnel stated that further time is still needed to commission various parameters to obtain a stable electron beam; once a stable beam with sufficient current is formed, priority will be given to activating one experimental station utilizing bending magnets.

The remaining experimental stations will operate based on insertion devices on the synchrotron, including undulators and wigglers, used to generate the radiation required for experiments. The center expects that these stations will begin accepting users starting from 2028.

The local scientific research authorities also stated that the SKIF shared center is seeking support from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to attract large industrial enterprises to use the facility for research. Currently, some enterprises have already shown interest in SKIF's research capabilities, and relevant annual and two-year research projects are under negotiation.