 |
Artem AlihaniyanSoviet physicist.
Date of Birth: 24.06.1908
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- A.I. Alikhanyan: A Pioneer in Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics
- Education and Early Career
- Scientific Achievements
- Publications and Legacy
A.I. Alikhanyan: A Pioneer in Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics
Biographical SketchAlikhanyan, Artem Isaakovich (1904-1978), was a prominent Soviet physicist who made significant contributions to nuclear physics, cosmic ray physics, accelerator technology, and elementary particle physics. He was a member of the USSR Academy of Sciences and the Armenian Academy of Sciences, and established a renowned school of physicists.
Education and Early Career
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Alikhanyan graduated from Leningrad University in 1931. From 1927 to 1941, he worked at the Leningrad Physical-Technical Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences.
Scientific Achievements
Nuclear Physics and Cosmic Ray Physics:Alikhanyan's early research focused on nuclear physics and cosmic ray physics. In 1934, he and his colleagues discovered the formation of electron-positron pairs via internal conversion of excited atomic nuclei. He also demonstrated the conservation of energy and momentum during electron-positron annihilation.
Alikhanyan discovered an intense flux of fast protons in cosmic rays, and he found that fast neutrons generate protons at high frequencies. He identified new types of cosmic ray showers, "narrow showers," and provided early evidence for particles with masses between muons and protons.
Accelerator Technology and Elementary Particle Physics:After becoming the director of the Yerevan Physics Institute in 1943, Alikhanyan shifted his focus to accelerator technology and elementary particle physics. He oversaw the design and construction of the "ARUS" electron synchrotron in Yerevan, which became operational in 1967 with an energy of 6 GeV.
Alikhanyan studied the properties of elementary particles using accelerators and developed a 570-liter freon bubble chamber. His research led to the development of new methods for detecting and measuring the momenta of high-energy particles.
Trekovaya Spark Chamber:Alikhanyan's most notable achievement was the development of the "trekovaya" spark chamber, a new type of spark chamber that allowed for high-resolution tracking of charged particles. This invention earned him the Lenin Prize in 1970.
Publications and Legacy
Alikhanyan authored numerous scientific papers, including:- "Artificial Production of Radioactive Elements"
- "New Data on the Nature of Cosmic Rays"
- "Electron and Positron Accumulators"
- "Current Status of Accelerator Physics and Technology"
He trained a generation of talented physicists who carried on his legacy in the field of particle physics. Alikhanyan's groundbreaking research and innovative techniques continue to inspire scientists today.
