Share this story!            

GCU installs accelerator for nuclear physics research

LAHORE: The Centre for Advanced Studies in Physics (CASP) at Government College University (GCU) has installed a 100-Kilo Electron Volt (KEV) accelerator for research in nuclear physics.

The accelerator has been prepared in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH). “It is a multi-dimensional project in nano technology,” said Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Member of Physical Sciences Dr Masood Ahmad at the inauguration of the accelerator here on Tuesday.

Dr Ahmed said that Dr Ashfaq Ahmad, Dr Pervaiz Butt, Dr Samar Mubarakmand and himself provided support necessary to initiate a new series of charged particle related research. He said the PAEC was committed to modernising technology and now the CASP laboratory was well equipped with the addition of the accelerator. “It will improve the training quality of GCU students,” he added.

He said the PAEC, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission, had recently become a member of the Synchrotron Light for Experimental Sciences and Applications in the Middle East. “It is a 2.5 KEV light source, which will have applications in physics, chemistry, material science and biology,” he said.

“After its completion, Pakistani scientists will be able to conduct experiments using the SESAME machine which is being installed in Jordan, and it is also a great honour that Pakistani scientist Professor Aslam Baig from the Quaid-e-Azam University has been appointed as the first project director.”

GCU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Aftab said that the spirit of inquiry and the growth of knowledge must be part of every educational institution. “Good work can be started with limited resources and it is good work that is being recognised,” he said. He congratulated PINSTECH and CASP for the joint venture. PINSTECH Electronic Division Head Dr Shoaib, also the accelerator maker, talked about the accelerator.

Dr Ijaz Mujtaba Ghauri said that recently the HEC had provided Rs 40 million to establish a high technology central resource laboratory at CASP. “The edition of such laboratories at CASP will better equip this historical centre,” he said. —Staff Report

Home | National

Share this story!