The official opening of the Tandetron accelerator took place in an exceptional atmosphere

At the Reactor Centre of the Jožef Stefan Institute, the new state-of-the-art tandem ion accelerator Tandetron was officially inaugurated. The only research accelerator of its kind in Slovenia, which now operates at a significantly higher voltage - three million volts - allows for more precise research, analyses, and even material modification. As emphasized in the keynote address by Primož Pelicon, head of the Microanalytical Centre (MIC), the new accelerator will replace the previous one, which had been in operation since 1997, and will continue the long tradition of ion beam research at the institute dating back to 1956. He highlighted several applications, including research on materials for fusion reactors, batteries, applications in biomedicine and biology, the development of quantum sensors, and the analysis of cultural heritage.

According to researchers and government representatives, the new device will significantly improve research conditions and strengthen the institute’s role in international research collaborations. The accelerator was inaugurated by Tjaša Dobnik, Director of ARIS, and Leon Cizelj, Director of the Jožef Stefan Institute, while the event was enriched by unique musical miniatures performed by Boštjan Gombač. Photos by Marjan Verč.