BEIJING, May 4 -- China has finished a successful test of the upgraded tandem accelerator, becoming few countries with a new-generation radioactive nuclear-beam accelerator, said a statement from the China Institute of Atomic Energy on Monday.

The HI-13 tandem accelerator was brought from the U.S. in the early 1980s, and has made a significant contribution to China's basic research in physics and nuclear technology, according to the statement.

After completion of the upgrade, the accelerator will help research in neutron physics, nuclear data measurement and proton radiation effects.

It will also be used in developing nuclear technology, radioactive diagnosis, drug production and radio-medical research.