Notes from the UEC

Light Source Users, Management Continue Preparations for NSLS-II

November 20, 2008

John Parise
UEC Chair
Stony Brook University
john.parise@stonybrook.edu

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NSLS users are justifiably enthusiastic about the prospect of, once again, having one of the best synchrotrons worldwide right here at Brookhaven. The design of NSLS-II is remarkable. This will be the ultimate storage ring for experimentalists utilizing the unique coherence and spatial resolution. Users are thinking of brand-new ways of optimizing experiments to take advantage of the spectral range provided by devices in close geographic proximity - such as wide-gap bends and damping wigglers. This enthusiasm produced several white papers that include visions for new instruments and guidance on how to keep the great science going at NSLS in anticipation of the transition. Thirteen letters of intent were also submitted for six project beamline slots. Several groups are now looking forward to the major items of equipment (MIE) calls soon to be issued. These represent considerable effort on the part of NSLS users. Planning for the transitioning of beamlines and/or useful components of beamlines from NSLS to NSLS-II is also an important component of maintaining programs at the NSLS and getting ready for NSLS-II.

As part of the on-going efforts, the Beamline Transition Working Group (BTWG), formed at the request of the NSLS Chairman, brings together at a single table, stakeholders from the NSLS facility, the NSLS UEC, and the NSLS-II project. The group - chaired by Steve Hulbert - is working toward an NSLS to NSLS-II Beamline Transition Plan with the goal of creating a significant number of operating beamlines on day one of NSLS-II. These beamlines will make the best possible use of the new source and cover a breadth of scientific programs, synchrotron techniques, and photon energies. The associated beamline staff and their institutions will reflect the diversity of NSLS stakeholders and the agency missions they represent.

The BTWG has convened weekly since December 2007. Initially, the group met with representatives, usually the spokespersons, from all NSLS beamlines to discuss NSLS-II transition possibilities of beamlines, components, end stations, scientific programs, and staff. A list was created of existing NSLS resources that make good sense to transfer, and transition plans already in preparation by some stakeholders were discussed and documented. From this collective input, the BTWG is generating an NSLS Beamline Transition Plan, a key input for the strategic plans of NSLS and NSLS-II, which will help all stakeholders pursue the funding to successfully implement a broadly based transition plan. The BTWG will continue to meet and refine the transition plan to include cost and schedule for each beamline and to work closely with champions and stakeholders to ensure success.

Finally, NSLS management is putting the final touches on a policy to facilitate and support the formation of Technique and Instrumentation Developers (TIDs) - individuals or groups who undertake development of synchrotron radiation techniques or instrumentation on NSLS Diagnostic & Instrumentation (D&I) beamlines. The policy was explained at the November 13th meeting, and more details will be coming in the future.