Researchers used machine learning to predict and control the shape of an x-ray mirror’s surface with exquisite accuracy and precision. The work represents a key step toward mirrors that can fully exploit the x-rays from upgraded, state-of-the-art light sources and could also enable the engineering of x-ray beams with novel characteristics. Read more »
Advanced Light Source Upgrade Approved to Start Construction
The ALS has received federal approval to start construction on an upgrade that will boost the brightness of its x-ray beams at least a hundredfold. The DOE approval, known as Critical Decision 3 (CD-3), formally releases funds for purchasing, building, and installing upgrades to the ALS. Read more »
How X-Rays Can Make Better Batteries
In order to help our nation meet its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, scientists like William Chueh and David Shapiro are working together to come up with new strategies to design safer, long-distance batteries made from sustainable, Earth-abundant materials. They discuss their pioneering work in this Q&A. Read more »
Advanced Light Source Upgrade Project Achieves Major Milestone
The ALS Upgrade (ALS-U) Project has received federal “CD-2” approval for its budget, schedule, and technical scope. The upgrade will boost the brightness of ALS soft x-ray beams at least a hundredfold. Read more »
Debut of ALS-U Swap-Out Injection Video
An entirely new ring— the accumulator—is a key element of the ALS Upgrade (ALS-U) project. But what, exactly, does it do? How does swap-out injection differ from top-off injection, and how does it enable ALS-U? A short, 90-second explainer video provides clear answers to these and other questions. Read more »
Milestone in Advanced Light Source Upgrade Project Will Bring in a New Ring
On Dec. 23, the ALS upgrade (ALS-U) project received CD-3a approval, which authorizes an important release of funds for purchasing equipment and formally approves the start of construction on the accumulator ring. Read more »
Announcement on High-Field Bend Magnets in the ALS-U Project
The ALS-U Project has been weighing which technology to implement to have the best chance of preserving the ALS’s highly valuable and productive tender and hard x-ray programs after the ALS is upgraded. Taking into account both user needs as well as the project’s technical risk, schedule, and cost, we have decided to move forward with permanent magnet (3.2 T) source points. Read more »
Project Director Dave Robin Announces ALS-U Project Beamlines
Over the past year, a process has been ongoing to select the insertion-device beamlines that will be built and upgraded within the scope of the ALS-U Project. I am delighted to inform you that the selection process is now complete and to announce the result. Read more »
Celebrating “A New Light for Berkeley Lab”
At the end of September 2018, nearly 250 staff and affiliates from across Berkeley Lab gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ALS and the recent achievement of CD-1 for the ALS Upgrade (ALS-U) project, as well as learn more about the future science that will be enabled by ALS-U. Read more »
ALS-U Project Receives CD-1 Approval
The ALS Upgrade (ALS-U) project has received federal approval (CD-1) to proceed with preliminary design, planning, and R&D work. This major upgrade will boost the brightness and coherent flux of ALS soft x-ray beams at least a hundredfold, enabling transformative science that cannot be performed on any existing or planned light source in the world. Read more »
