The reactor IBR-2, recently launched in the town of Dubna, is expected to help study properties of various materials under extreme conditions.

      The reactor is said to be ready for experimental work in November 2011. IBR-2 is a unique pulse reactor on fast neutrons with response modulation. With average thermal capacity of 2 megawatt the reactor is as powerful as 1500 megawatt.

      This year researchers will test characteristics of the facility, tests limits and conditions of its safe operation, perform first experiments with ejected neutron beams, as well as install unique cryogenic moderators.

      Source: RIA Novosti