Radium Institute

V.G. Khlopin Radium Institute carries out researches in nuclear physical, radiochemical, geochemical, and ecological fields, associated with the problems of nuclear power engineering, radioecology, and isotope production and represents one of Russian and world-wide leaders in these directions. The Institute actively participates in a lot of federal programs and international projects related to nuclear physics, radiochemistry, radioecology, and radio geochemistry.

Radium Institute has unique available experimental base allowing for realization of fundamental and applied works in many fields of nuclear science and engineering at up-to-date level. Thus, the resources of Scientific and Experimental Complex in the city of Gatchina allows testing of radiochemical processes on the basis of real high-level materials, closing by that a total cycle of researches, started from scientific concept to be developed into specific technology.

Basic sites in Saint-Petersburg are provided with modern equipment allowing for (search and applied working вместо поисковых и прикладных работ – исследований «investigation») in the field of nuclear physics, radiochemistry, analytical chemistry, radioecology, isotope production. Such equipment includes particle accelerators, neutron generators, installations for measuring of neutron-physical constants, stations to adjust methods of non-destructive control of nuclear fuel burn-up, radionuclide fabricating installations. Laboratories of the Institute are provided with equipment for realization of chemical, spectral, mass-spectrometric, X-ray fluorescent, mössbauer and other methods for analyzing (а также для спектрометрии и радиометрии ионизирующих излучений).

Main directions of research:

1.    Radiochemistry
Development of technologies for reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive wastes, that guarantee their safe localization in stable matrices and reliable isolation from the biosphere.

2.    Analytical chemistry
Development and improvement of many methods for radionuclide determination.

3.    Nuclear physics
Measurement and evaluation of nuclear data at low and intermediate excitation energies for use in science and technology. Obtaining experimental and calculated data in radiation transport and radiation effects on materials.

4.    Environment
Development and improvement of physical and radiochemical methods for precision determination of very low-level concentrations in environmental materials – both for environmental safety and for nuclear testing monitoring. Intercalibration measurements between laboratories for quality assurance and nuclear explosion control programs.

5.    Radiogeochemistry
Fundamental research of geochemical factors and barriers preventing migration of radionuclides in rock media.

6.    Radioisotopes
Design and implementation of industrial manufacturing technology for production and use of radionuclide sources, heat and light.