Researchers at Novosibirsk State University, the G.I. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS (INP), and the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography SB RAS are members of a scientific group at the Center for Collective Use "Accelerator Mass Spectrometry NSU-NSC". They are currently developing a domestic low-voltage universal accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) that will be mass produced in the future. This equipment has applications in many branches of science: archeology, geology, medicine, pharmacology etc. Simultaneously, they will train young specialists to operate and maintain this equipment.
Ekaterina Parkhomchuk, Project Manager, Director of the Center for Collective Use "Accelerator Mass Spectrometry of NSU-NSC", and Acting Head of the NSU Natural Sciences Department of Physical Chemistry described the project,
An accelerator mass spectrometer is a complicated device, not every specialist is capable of mastering its operation. Our physicists are employees at the INP SB RAS who have been involved in creating this equipment so they know all the features necessary to work with these installations. The experience accumulated by our Center is invaluable, our equipment (an AMS and a graphitizer for manufacturing targets), works, our specialists have unique knowledge, and we can apply these resources as efficiently as possible.
There is only one Center in Russia for dating by accelerator mass spectrometry. Therefore, developing our own AMS, training our own physicists, chemists, and engineers and launching the equipment complex into serial production is the best path forward. We have identified an ambitious goal to provide domestic research centers with all necessary equipment.
This year, in addition to performing numerous routine radiocarbon studies, the team of scientists will develop and design an ion source, evaluate the applicability of a low-pressure time-projection chamber that was developed and assembled earlier at the INP SB RAS for the detection of C-14, Be-10 and I-129, and be responsible for the assembly of a stand for graphitization of samples with a low carbon content. It is expected that the new Russian multi-purpose AMS complex, with an effective support team, will be ready in 5 years. This will combine all the advantages of both instruments that are already available at the Novosibirsk Scientific Center. The accuracy of their radiocarbon dating has already been certified on an international level.
Parkhomchuk added,
Our Center, like nowhere else in Russia, is ready to enter the development and design of this device for mass production. It is important that within the framework of the project we will not only create our own AMS complex, but train researchers to work on it. So far, there are only a few specialists in our country who have the necessary knowledge and experience to work with these devices. The need for qualified scientific personnel is very high so we will attract NSU students to working in this field.
The Project Manager added that accelerator mass spectrometry opens up new opportunities for medicine in the drug development field, in particular using the “microdosing” method. Almost 150 million people live in Russia, and it is strategically important to have our own drug development. Internationally, AMS is in a stage of rapid development precisely because it allows this research to be carried out safely, relatively quickly, and without the involvement of animals.
