As SLAC prepares to remove FFTB and construct the LCLS,
a dozen or so researchers and engineers are designing the South Arc Beam
Experimental Region (SABER). If approved, this new facility will allow
the Lab to continue high energy electron beam experiments indefinitely. SLAC is the only place in the world that can provide the
high peak current, high energy electron and positron beams that make
this type of research possible.
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The proposed SABER beam would travel along the first
two-thirds of the linac before trekking through a bypass transport
line and traveling into the instrument section of the SLC South Arc
tunnel.
(Image courtesy of C. Joshi, UCLA) |
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"FFTB has accomplished science that was never
anticipated when that facility was built," said Roger Erickson, who
manages accelerator operations at SLAC. "SABER will allow us to continue
this science during and after LCLS construction."
Like FFTB, SABER would have a small focus and pulse
compression. Yet unlike the current system, SABER would add the ability
to compress bunches of positrons as well as electrons. This will allow
for the continuation and expansion of many avenues of research,
especially beam-plasma physics.
"SABER would deliver very short, intense bursts of
electrons or positrons unlike anything available elsewhere," Erickson
continued. "This will be a unique facility."
In order to run in tandem with LCLS, the SABER beam
would travel along the first two-thirds of the linac
before trekking through a bypass transport line and traveling into the
instrument section of the SLC South Arc tunnel. By avoiding the last
third of the linac, SABER would run independently of LCLS.
Before construction begins, Erickson and his
collaborators must carefully assess safety implications and refine the
design details and cost estimates.
"We’re at an exploratory phase right now," said
Erickson. "But if all goes well, I would like to start construction of
the major components in the next fiscal year."
For documentation on SABER, see:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/grp/rd/epac/Meeting/200601/
