The status of the ESRF source

Construction of the ESRF source started in 1988 as a joint project of 12 European countries. The facility consists of a 200 MeV electron linear accelerator, a 6 GeV fast cycling booster synchrotron and a 6 GeV low emittance storage ring optimized to produce high brilliance X-rays from beam scheduled to be injected in the storage ring in February 1992. Ten-months of commissioning are planned for the storage ring. From then on, the first set of beams lines will be installed. Routine operation for users will start in 1994. This paper reviews the progress in installation and commissioning of the different components of the accelerator complex. Installation is proceeding in accordance with the sequential completion of the accelerator buildings. The electron linac delivered its first beam in May 1991 and reached design performance in the 1 μs pulse operation during the one month commissioning period. Commissioning of the booster started in September 1991. Results of initial tests are reported. Finally the progress on procurement and installation of the different components of the storage ring is described. First tests with beam are to start at the very beginning of 1992. (author). 3 figs., 3 tabs