Gennadiy Alekseyevich Kirillov (1933–2013) was a laser physicist, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, professor, founding director of the Institute of Laser Physics Research, and deputy scientific director of the Russian Federal Nuclear Center — VNIIEF (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 Radiophysics Department of Gorky State University with a specialization in research physics in the field of radiophysics, and took up a position in Sector 3 of VNIIEF. In his first years there, he conducted research into nuclear weapons development that yielded unique results of fundamental significance.[1]
Scientific Work
From 1963, Kirillov worked on the development of high-powered explosive photodissociation lasers, achieving radiation parameters that remain unsurpassed in several respects to this day; he also developed a range of high-powered laser devices for specialized technical systems.[1]
The successful growth of the laser research program led to the establishment of Sector 13 in 1970: Kirillov became its deputy head, and from 1982 to 2003 he led the laser division of VNIIEF. Work on photodissociation lasers opened the path to the creation of high-powered installations for laser thermonuclear fusion. Under Kirillov's leadership and with his direct participation, 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 by the national megaproject to develop the UFL-2m facility.[1]
Kirillov also founded the Department of Quantum Electronics at the Sarov Institute of Physics and Technology (SarFTI), training an entire generation of laser physicists. From 1997 to 2003 he served as a professor in that department.[2][1]
Recognition
His international recognition came in the form of the Edward Teller Medal (USA), awarded for his outstanding contributions 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 the development of explosive lasers.[2] His decorations include the Orders of the Red Banner of Labor and the "Badge of Honor," as well as 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 the eighty-first year of his life. According to updated information, the actual date of death was 22 September 2013; the date of 23 September appeared erroneously in a number of obituaries.[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 the Bugrovskoe Cemetery in Nizhny Novgorod.[2] In its obituary, the press service of the Nuclear Center described him as a representative of "the generation of scientists and leaders who shaped the modern face of the RFNC-VNIIEF."[1]
Sources
- Vremya N — Outstanding Nizhny Novgorod physicist Gennady Kirillov has died (archive)
- names52.ru — Kirillov Gennady Alekseyevich (archive)