The winter 2023 shutdown was relatively short. It started just after the holiday shutdown, and user operations resumed on February 16, delivering on the ALS commitment to minimize shutdown length as much as possible. Read more »
Summer 2022 Shutdown Recap
The ALS returned to user operations on August 23 after its summer shutdown. The work included larger projects, such as installation of magnet stands for the ALS-U accumulator ring and the replacement of the liquid nitrogen tank, as well as several other facility improvements. Read more »
Winter 2022 Shutdown Recap
The main driver for the recent shutdown (January to early March) was preparing the storage ring wall for the installation of the ALS-U accumulator ring. Check out the video of all the projects that took place during this shutdown. Read more »
Summer 2021 Shutdown
Last week the ALS returned to user operations after its summer shutdown. A lot of work was accomplished, including several large projects in the storage ring and maintenance and updates for the accelerator and beamlines. Read more »
Winter 2021 Shutdown Recap
During the Winter 2021 shutdown, the ALS was a hive of activity, though social distancing requirements during the pandemic meant that the activity looked a bit different from years past. We began commissioning on March 26 and plan to return to user operations after commissioning concludes. Read more »
Materials from Town Hall on Shutdown Schedules Now Available
On January 26, the ALS held a town hall on the schedule for upcoming long shutdowns. The event provided up-to-date information on the schedule, explained the motivations behind decisions, and discussed principles and strategies for future decision-making. Slides and a recording from the event, as well as an FAQs document, are posted to the ALS website. Read more »
ALS Shutdown Schedule for 2021
The ALS will be shut down for the holidays and maintenance beginning Dec. 24; user operations are scheduled to resume on Mar. 30. The summer shutdown is expected to begin in early July and last approximately three months. Over the next few years, shutdowns will likely be longer than in recent years to allow preparation and installation associated with the ALS-U Project. Read more »
Summer 2020 Shutdown Recap
With all the changes due to COVID-19, it is no surprise that this summer’s ALS shutdown was also affected. It began later (August instead of July) and was shorter than originally scheduled (about six weeks instead of three months). Nevertheless a number of smaller activities, many in preparation for the ALS Upgrade (ALS-U), were accomplished. Read more »
July 2020 Shutdown Preview
The ALS will be undergoing longer shutdowns in preparation for the ALS-U dark period. Although beam will not be available for users, the flurry of activity at the ALS will continue, and many projects are scheduled for the upcoming shutdowns. ALS Deputy for Accelerator Operations Fernando Sannibale gives us a preview of this summer’s shutdown. Read more »
Winter 2020 Shutdown Recap
Many projects around the ALS were completed during the Winter 2020 shutdown. Some of these improvements will benefit users now, and others provide additional utility that will be required in the future. In response to user feedback, we have endeavored to divide projects into the smallest possible segments in order to decrease the amount of time required for each shutdown. Read more »
