Other Names: Laser Research Center
Location: Tehran
Subordinate to: TNRC, AEOI
Size: n/a
Primary Function: Laser research, production, and support

Description:

Located at the TNRC, the RCLA was established in 1974 to design and assemble various laser systems. The center has produced at least 200 laser sets. It is composed of the Gas Laser Semiconductor and Solid State Laser Departments, Nitrogen Laser Lab, and Precision Laser and Guided Laser Lab. The RCLA has been involved in optics, coating, and optomechanics. It has also collaborated with universities and research centers across the nation. The RCLA has a production unit that developed helium-neon lasers and carbon dioxide gas lasers in the 1990s. In 1992, RCLA staff established the Ibn-e Heysam Research and Laboratory Center. Its function is not known, but the media reported that Ibn-e does not have lasers that are suitable for uranium separation.

Key Sources:
[1] "Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Head Notes Achievements," Tehran IRNA, 7 May 1997, in FBIS, FTS19970507000193, 5 July 1997.
[2] "Research Center for Lasers and Their Applications," AEOI, http://www.aeoi.org.ir/NewWeb/Research/RCLA/RCLA.htm.
[3] "The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization: Programs and Plans," Tehran ETTELA'AT, 4 April 1993, pp. 5, 7, in "Paper Details Work of Laser Research Center," FBIS-NES-93-067, 9 April 1993, p. 43; Gerardi and Aharinejad, p. 211.

	Updated January 2006