ESRFUP

Introduction

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), supported by 18 European countries, is a storage ring based X-ray source, which provides the research user community with world-class experimental stations, exploiting the unique properties of synchrotron radiation for research in a large variety of fields. In order to maintain its leading role and to respond to the emerging scientific challenges, the ESRF is envisaging an ambitious Upgrade Programme, comprising (i) the extension of the experimental hall to enable the construction of new and upgraded beamlines with largely improved performance and new scientific opportunities, as well as improved infrastructures for the preparation of experiments, (ii) a programme of improvements of the accelerator complex, and (iii) the development of productive science and technology driven partnerships. The option for a joint high magnetic field laboratory with the neighbouring Institut Laue Langevin (ILL) and other European high field laboratories is also being studied. The planned Upgrade will enable significant progress in fields such as nanoscience and nanotechnology, structural and functional biology, health, environment, energy and transport, information technology, and materials engineering.

The objectives of the proposal are to prepare the implementation of this Upgrade Programme. Key activities shall be centred around the discussion and definition of the individual scientific and technological projects, as well as the examination of the consequences on the local site infrastructure in terms of access, buildings and environment. These objectives shall be met by (i) the dissemination of material, providing the governing body, advisors and the scientific community with the relevant information on the Upgrade Programme, (ii) the organisation of topical workshops and meetings with the aim to set priorities, create partnerships, and to clearly identify areas where technical developments are needed, and (iii) to perform the necessary feasibility studies needed for the realisation of individual projects within the frame of the Upgrade.

The ensemble of these actions constitutes the critical and indispensable step towards the approval of the Upgrade Programme by the governing body.

Funds of 4.99 M€ were granted by the European Commission within the FP7 Capacities Programme (project acronym ESRFUP) in September 2007 in order to prepare the ESRF Upgrade in its various aspects.

Overview

Work packages

• WP 1: Contract management
• WP 2: Prime contractor (architect) competition and design phase of building extensions
• WP 3: Material describing the ESRF upgrade
• WP 4: Organisation of User meetings and workshops
• WP 5: Preparation of Technical Design Reports for new and upgraded beamlines
• WP 6: Preparation of a European-wide strategy on detector development for synchrotron radiation developments
• WP 7: User single entry point to ESRF and ILL
• WP8: Optimisation of ESRF beamline capacity
• WP 9: Feasibility study for a new Scientific Management Information System (SMIS)
• WP 10: Studies and feasibility of automation projects and remote beamline access
• WP 11: EGEE – Grid study and test bed
• WP 12: Feasibility study for a joint ESRF/ILL High Magnetic Field Laboratory
• WP 13: Feasibility study for a new radiofrequency cavity for the storage ring

Progress reports

• Year 1 (October 2007 - October 2008)
• Year 2 (October 2008 - October 2009)
• Year 3 (October 2009 - October 2010)