Initiatives in accelerator physics and technology at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre

The Centre derives its name from that of the room temperature cyclotron, Variable Energy Cyclotron (VEC), constructed about three decades ago. Construction of the VEC began an era of large-scale accelerator construction and, also, revolutionized the nuclear physics research in the country. Over the past two decades the accelerator technology took a quantum jump at the Centre with the design and construction of several hi-tech accelerator facilities, primarily, for basic research. These facilities include a K=520 superconducting cyclotron, Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB) facility, Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) heavy ion sources etc. Accelerator scientists are also utilizing their experience to develop ultra high current cyclotron systems for ADS related applications and to set up a state-of-the-art cyclotron for radioisotope/radiopharmaceuticals production for medical diagnostics application. Indigenous and in-house development of the accelerator systems has always been our first preference. We have succeeded to a large extent on this front This presentation gives a brief insight into the evolution of various accelerators and associated facilities at the Centre. (author)