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)