The electron beam, achieving its design energy of 3 billion electron volts (GeV), was successfully injected into the main storage ring of the «Siberian Circular Photon Source» (SKIF) mega-science facility for the first time. This major milestone took place in Novosibirsk, according to an announcement by the regional government following a visit by Science Minister Valery Falkov.
This operational breakthrough follows recent high-level attention to the project. Previously, during a direct line session on December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his intention to personally attend the official launch of the SKIF facility in the Novosibirsk region. Regional Governor Andrey Travnikov had indicated that the commissioning of the storage ring – the core element responsible for generating synchrotron radiation – along with the first seven experimental stations, is slated for early 2026 in the science city of Koltsovo.
Technical Achievements
Regional authorities reported that the 3 GeV electron beam was recently successfully transferred from the booster synchrotron through a 220-meter transport channel and into the main storage ring. The precise position and size of the beam were confirmed and monitored using a phosphor sensor.
The government further detailed the progress, noting that the equipment for the storage ring is now fully positioned within the tunnel, supported by a dedicated service zone. Additionally, the complex mechanisms known as «front-ends,» which are crucial for channeling synchrotron radiation to the experimental stations, have been installed in their final project positions.
Nearing Completion
The construction and assembly phase is rapidly concluding. All equipment designated for the first phase’s seven experimental stations of the SKIF facility has been 100% manufactured, delivered to the site, and is currently undergoing installation. Furthermore, all lead safety enclosures, known as «hutches,» which ensure user safety during experiments, have been fully manufactured and mounted.
The SKIF project officially entered its final stretch in November 2025 with the commencement of assembly of the main 476-meter perimeter storage ring. Currently, the phased launch of all segments and systems of the accelerator-storage complex is proceeding concurrently with the remaining construction efforts.
The SKIF Complex Explained
The SKIF accelerator-storage complex is engineered around three major technological components:
- **Linear Accelerator:** Where the electron beam is initially created and given its first acceleration.
- **Booster Synchrotron:** Where the beam is accelerated to its full design energy of 3 GeV.
- **Storage Ring:** The main loop where the electron beam, passing through magnetic fields generated by bending magnets or specialized devices (wigglers and undulators), generates the high-intensity synchrotron radiation.
SKIF is classified as a 4th generation+ synchrotron radiation source. Located in Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, it represents the foundational component of Russia`s modern network of new-generation synchrotron radiation sources. The monumental project occupies a site spanning 30 hectares, with the main accelerator ring having a circumference of 476 meters.
The project`s budget, initially set at 37.1 billion rubles, has since increased to 47.3 billion rubles due to rising material costs. Once operational, the synchrotron will provide scientists with unparalleled capability to investigate the structure and properties of matter at the micro and nanoscale, offering solutions across vital fields including biology, medicine, chemistry, and energy. Importantly, the brightness of the SKIF synchrotron radiation is anticipated to set a new world record upon its commissioning.
