This collection of articles contains a systematic outline of original experimental and theoretical research on photoproduction of neutral pions at protons and at a strongly bound system of a few nucleons, i.e., the helium nucleus. Spark chambers and their use as spectrometers for photons and electrons are described in detail. The articles of the collection include information on a novel method of determining the efficiency of recording apparatus by generating monochromatic photons. The articles de- scribe original theoretical research on the optical anisotropy of nuclei. Problems encountered in experimental studies of operating the synchrotron as a storage-type accelerator of electrons and positrons receive particular attention. The results of this research work are listed, and the problems of oppositely directed electron-positron beams in the 250-MeV synchrotron are considered. The articles should be of interest to physicists, including research workers, teachers, engineers, graduate students, and students in advanced undergraduate courses. v CONTENTS Photoproduction of Neutral Pions at Nucleons and Nuclei B. B. Govorkov, S. P. Denisov, and E. V. Minarik 0 Photoproduction of 1r Mesons at Helium and at Photon Energies of 71 160-240 MeV .................................. .