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Operating Schedule

Beamline Schedules

Schedules for individual beamlines are posted in the ALS Scheduler.

User Operations Before Dark Time

The ALS Upgrade (ALS-U) project is in its construction phase. As of fall 2025, all of the accumulator ring magnet rafts have been mechanically installed. Still to come is the storage ring, which will be installed during the dark time period, projected to start in mid-2027 at the earliest and last at least two years. 

We aim to maximize quality beamtime for users leading up to the dark time, position the facility to have a productive and successful dark time, and deliver new capabilities to you as soon as possible.

User beam schedules:

  • 2026-1 Cycle (January–June): 5 months of beam. This cycle will have a substantial increase in user shifts compared to cycles in recent years. Preview the 2026-1 (January–July) schedule here.
  • 2026-2 Cycle (July–December): No beam in the second half of 2026. The ALS will shut down in early July for the replacement of the switch station through which all power for the ALS accelerator comes.
  • 2027-1 Cycle (January–June): Several months of beam. Detailed schedule TBD.
  • Dark time starting mid-2027 at the earliest and lasting at least two years

More information on the project timeline can be found here.

Current Operating Schedule

Google Calendar: Click the following link to add the ALS operating schedule to your Google Calendar (with option to toggle display on/off).

Preview the 2026-1 (January–July) schedule here.

“SoftStart” indicates either a buffer period for contingencies arising after long shutdowns or periods when limited beamtime may be offered on a case-by-case basis. Any user beamtime scheduled for the SoftStart period should have the flexibility to be rescheduled for a later time.

Chart showing ALS operating schedule for August through December, 2025.

Past Operating Schedules