A team of Armenian scientists presented the results of Innovation Initiative #101 during the ISTC Governing Board meeting held in March. Representatives of the governments funding ISTC were impressed by the demonstration of the sapphire crystal production that can be used in various optical devices and commercial laser equipment.

ISTC contributed $419,000,00 USD to the development of a production line to create large sized optical sapphire crystals using Horizontal Directed Crystallization (HDC) method. About 50 jobs for former weapons scientists are expected to be created at completion of the project. Clients in many countries of Europe and America have already placed orders making this initiative a success for ISTC’s Commercialization department.

The Institute has the capability and technical know-how to modernize sapphire crystal production equipment, specifically crystal growth units. These units will allow the Institute to produce 3 kg crystal bulbs - an increase over the current maximum size of 2kg of extra high optically clear crystal, which is the highest value added to their products. The crystal’s class, purity and size directly influence the sales price, while yield rate is essential for the reduction of production costs.

The basic directions of scientific and engineering activities are fundamental research; crystal growth technologies; development of lasers and laser systems, and crystal growth equipment. A number of nonlinear resonance and polarization effects have been studied and experimentally realized as well.

LT-Pyrkal website: http://www.ltp.am/ltp1/about.htm

For more information contact:

Anna Filchenko

Commercialization Manager

(7-495) 982 3219