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 »
Facility News and Shutdown Recap: Summer 2019
It’s been a busy summer at the ALS, with developments ranging from the delivery of a new prototype magnet for testing, to the refurbishing of the Building 80 cubicle farm and lounge area. A five-week shutdown checked off several important upgrades and installations, while other Building 6–related projects proceeded in parallel. Read more »
Winter 2019 Shutdown Recap
A two-month scheduled shutdown of the ALS is nearly complete. It allowed significant progress on two new beamlines under construction, QERLIN and Gemini, and also saw the completion of a long-term project to upgrade the storage ring’s radio frequency (rf) system. The facility should return to user operations as scheduled on February 28. Read more »
2018 Shutdown Recap
Users have returned to the ALS after a six-week summer shutdown. Among the many small and large changes, we performed a major upgrade of the HVAC system that will stabilize the temperature throughout the experimental hall. None of the changes will affect the delivery of light. Read more »
2017 ALS Shutdown Recap
The last few months were quieter than usual for ALS users but not for staff tasked with maintaining and improving the ALS. The recent ALS shutdown was one of the longest on record, spanning almost three months. Those involved say it was also one of the most successful, with everything on the to-do list crossed off. The work accomplished paves the way for new beamlines, better water-cooling capacity, and ALS-U. Read more »