Established in 1971 under the Department of Atomic Energy, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) conducts research for the development of Fast Breeder Reactor Technology. The centre has a staff strength of 2,463 including 1,037 engineers and scientists.
It conducts experiments in structural mechanics, heat and mass transfer, material science, fabrication processes, non-destructive testing, chemical sensors, high temperature thermodynamics, radiation physics, computer science, quasi crystals, oxide superconductors, nano-structures, clusters, SQUID fabrication programs, exopolymers and simulation of condensed matter using colloids.
The centre is equipped with high power computer systems, 3-dimensional co-ordination measurement system, multi channel eddy current system for NDE, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) facilities, thermal imaging system, high pressure diamond anvil cell, particle irradiation facility (PIF) and positron beam facility.
The centre has collaborations with educational and R and D institutes from India and abroad. World\'s one and only fast breeder test reactor (KAMINI) based on unique mixed plutonium uranium carbide fuel (U233) functions here.
