Scientists to develop commercial products
Scientists to develop commercial products
SERPONG, West Java (JP): The Research and Development Center for Applied Physics presented yesterday the results of several three-year studies designed to develop products of commercial use.
The first study, presented to an audience which included representatives from a number of industries, was on the making of crystal silicons for electronic and solar energy devices while two others focused on laser technology and ultrasonic transducers.
The team for the development of crystal silicons is headed by Achyar Oemri, laser technology by Masbah Siregar and ultrasonic transducers by Kreshna Aribumi.
The latter studies highlighted the use of transducers for components in detecting cracks on aircraft and for detecting the passing of nearby ships.
Scientists at the Center, under the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), have been preparing studies for the National Research Council, which initiated a "commercial category" last year to encourage the private sector to channel money into research projects.
However, the head of the center, Ardjoeno Brodjonegoro, said yesterday it was the Center's own initiative to try and attract investors.
Also demonstrated yesterday was the use of a multi-chamber incinerator for liquid and dry waste.
Private
This is one of the Center's few projects which has received funding from a Jakarta-based private company, PT Vulgo Dahanatata.
While Ardjuno lamented lack of cooperation with the private sector, another researcher said cooperation is lacking even among government bodies.
Masno Ginting, who is on the crystal silicon team, said the government Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, which is developing solar energy projects, has yet to look to the Center for the manufacturing of its necessary components.
"They are importing the solar cell panels from Germany and France," said Ginting. "We are sure that we could support their solar energy project ourselves."
The aim of the agency's 50-megawatt solar energy project is to supply energy to at least one million homes in areas far from electricity supplies.
Each home will be supplied with 50 watts, enough for a few lights and a television set.
Ginting said that because cooperation is lacking, particularly in the area of solar power development, the Center has began cooperation with other bodies.
The manufacturing of solar cells is a joint project of the National Electronic Agency and LIPI's metallurgy department.
The Research Center for Applied Physics was set up in 1961 and is now located on the grounds of the government's Center for Research and Technology. (anr)