Gennady Alekseyevich Kirillov (1933–2013) was a laser physicist, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, professor, first director of the Institute of Laser Physics Research, and deputy scientific director of the Russian Federal Nuclear Center — All-Russian Research Institute of Experimental Physics (Sarov). A native of Nizhny Novgorod, he was one of the founders of the laser research program at RFNC-VNIIEF.[1]
Education and Early Career
In 1956, Kirillov graduated from the Lobachevsky University with a specialization in research physics in the field of radiophysics, and joined Sector 3 of VNIIEF. In his very first years there, he carried out nuclear weapons research that yielded unique results of fundamental significance.[1]
Scientific Work
From 1963, Kirillov worked on the development of powerful explosive photodissociation lasers, achieving radiation parameters that have not been surpassed in several respects to this day; he also developed a range of powerful laser devices for special-purpose systems.[1]
The successful development of the laser program led to the establishment of Sector 13 in 1970: Kirillov became deputy head of the sector, and from 1982 to 2003 he led VNIIEF's laser division. Research on photodissociation lasers opened the way to the creation of powerful installations for laser thermonuclear fusion. Under Kirillov's leadership and with his direct involvement, the Iskra-5 facility was built — the largest in Europe at the time of its construction and one of the defining symbols of RFNC-VNIIEF. This work was carried forward in the national megaproject to create the UFL-2M facility.[1]
Kirillov also founded the Sarov Institute of Physics and Technology (SarFTI), training an entire generation of laser physicists. From 1997 to 2003 he served as professor of that department.[2][1]
Recognition
Kirillov received international recognition when he was awarded the Edward Teller Medal (USA) for his outstanding contribution to laser physics research. In Russia, he was honored with the title of Merited Scientist of the Russian Federation, conferred on 26 December 2000.[2] He was also a laureate of the USSR State Prize, awarded in 1980 for his work on explosive lasers.[2] His decorations included the Orders of the Red Banner of Labour and the Badge of Honour, and the medals "For Labor Valor" and "For Valiant Labor in Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of V. I. Lenin."[1]
Legacy
Gennady Alekseyevich Kirillov passed away on 23 September 2013 in his 81st year. According to verified information, the actual date of death was 22 September 2013; the date of 23 September appeared in a number of obituaries in error.[2] A farewell ceremony was held on 24 September 2013 in Nizhny Novgorod at the Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Gennady Alekseyevich Kirillov was buried at Bugrovsky Cemetery in Nizhny Novgorod.[2] In its obituary, the press service of the Nuclear Center described him as a member of "the galaxy of scientists and leaders who shaped the modern face of RFNC-VNIIEF."[1]
Sources
- Vremya N — Outstanding Nizhny Novgorod physicist Gennady Kirillov has died
- names52.ru — Kirillov Gennady Alekseyevich