Experience with irradiation facilities in Indian research reactors

Indian research reactor programme started in 1956 with the commissioning of Apsara Reactor. Subsequent commissioning of Cirus, Zerlina, Dhruva, Purnima and Critical Facility enhanced the reactor application capabilities many-fold. These reactors have been utilized extensively for isotope production for use in industry, medicine and agriculture, research in the field of basic and applied sciences, beam tube research, testing of fuels and materials and training of manpower, etc. The paper highlights the experience gained over the years with emphasis on production of radioisotopes, beam tube research, neutron radiography, fuel and material testing, detector testing, neutron transmutation doping of silicon, shielding experiments and additional irradiation facilities being incorporated in future research reactors. (author)