Beam status

MCR News

14 March 2026 02:34
    Machine update:-
    
    Full rep rate beam on target 2 @ 02:10hrs.


14 March 2026 00:58
    Machine update:-
    
    Ion source experts are on site trying to stabilise the extract supply for
    machine setup. Beam setup will be continuing into the early hours. Update
    04:00hrs.


13 March 2026 23:11
    Machine update:-
    
    Machine physicists are setting up the machine for beam to target 2.
    Further setup required to stabilise the output. Update 00:30hrs.


13 March 2026 21:22
    Machine update:-
    
    The main magnet supply is at operational values, and the machine is setup
    for beam to Target 2 only. Machine physicists are on route to the facility
    for beam setup to target. Update 23:00hrs.


13 March 2026 18:22
    After the Main Magnet Power Supply was repaired earlier today we ran up
    all equipment in anticipation of restoring beam. We are still running up
    the MMPS AC which is a slow process due to the circuit being very cold.
    Once the AC current is at a normal operating level we will be able to
    initially set up the machine to TS2. We anticipate getting beam to TS1 on
    Saturday afternoon if the CH4 moderator is sufficiently cold. We will
    update on progress when we have further information.


11 March 2026 10:38
    Machine experts are continuing with further testing into the earth leakage
    on the Main Magnet power supply circuit. This will continue throughout the
    day, and progress updates will be issued later this afternoon.


10 March 2026 19:57
    Our Engineers have continued fault finding on the Main Magnet Power Supply
    throughout the day. As yet the cause of the earth leakage fault has not
    been diagnosed. Our Engineers are fatigued so will now reconvene and
    continue tests tomorrow morning. We will give an update at mid-day.


10 March 2026 12:03
    Electrical engineers have held meetings this morning to discuss the next
    steps in fault finding on the main magnet power supply system. They are
    currently working through component checks on the DC bias power supply and
    this will continue throughout the rest of today. An update on progress
    will be issued later on this evening.


09 March 2026 20:49
    Unfortunately after exhaustive testing of various parts of the Main Magnet
    Power Supply today there is still an earth leakage fault. The issue causes
    the DC Bias power supply to trip off when the AC is switched on. Further
    investigations will now continue tomorrow morning and we will give an
    update on progress at mid-day.


09 March 2026 16:23
    Our Electrical Engineers are testing various circuits associated with the
    Main Magnet Power Supply. Once tests in the Outer Synchrotron have
    concluded we are going to attempt a run up to see if the earth leakage
    fault on the DC Bias supply is still present. We will give an update at
    21:00 Hours.


09 March 2026 11:59
    Equipment experts have convened this morning and have formulated a plan to
    continue with fault finding on the main magnet power supply system. This
    is currently in motion but will likely take most of the afternoon to
    complete. Therefore, no beam is anticipated this afternoon. An update on
    progress will be issued at 16:00.


08 March 2026 21:01
    After fault finding and testing for 34 hours we are still yet to get the
    MMPS back up and running. The decision has been made that engineers should
    go home for the evening meaning there will be no beam overnight tonight.
    The full team of engineers will reconvene in the morning to formulate a
    plan and continue with repairs. Please check MCR news after midday
    tomorrow (09/03/26) for any updates.


08 March 2026 18:29
    Machine update:-
    
    The problem with the main magnet circuit is still ongoing. Machine
    specialist will continue to fault find this evening to try and identify
    the failure. Updates will follow.


08 March 2026 12:06
    Machine update:-
    
    Staff are still investigating the Main Magnet fault. We will update with
    any relevant news.


08 March 2026 07:33
    Machine update:-
    
    Main magnet staff were in until the early hours methodically checking
    parts of the circuitry, but unfortunately the system is still not
    operational. More staff will be attending site after 08:30hrs to continue
    investigations. Realistically there will be no beam for several hours.
    Update at Midday.


08 March 2026 02:18
    Work continues on the MMPS fault. Experts are methodically working through
    the power supply and ruling out faults at each stage as they do. Update at
    07:30hrs.


07 March 2026 23:19
    Staff are still working on the MMPS fault. They have measured the
    resistance of each superperiod in the synchrotron looking for a fault.
    Nothing untoward was found so we have locked the synchrotron back up and
    efforts are now concentrated back at the power supply. Update at 02:00hrs.


07 March 2026 20:16
    Although progression has been made with running up the MMPS, the fault
    still remains, not allowing us to run both parts of the power supply. We
    have called another expert to site to assist. Update at 23:00hrs.


07 March 2026 18:51
    Machine update:-
    
    We have progressed with the fault on the DC bias supply. We have managed
    to run it upto full power without tripping and are now disconnecting the
    diagnostics equipment, then we will try and run it up again.  Update
    20:00hrs.


07 March 2026 16:58
    Investigations are still on going into the problem with the main magnet
    power supply, an update will follow at 18:00 hrs


07 March 2026 14:08
    Machine update:-
    
    Experts are on site investigating the fault on the DC supply, further
    updates on the progress will follow.


07 March 2026 12:21
    Machine update:-
    
    We have a problem with the DC supply on the Main Magnet. Experts are on
    route to assist with repairs. Next update 14:00hrs


07 March 2026 11:25
    Beam off due to a problem with the main magnet power supply,
    investigations are being underway. Update to follow at 12:30


05 March 2026 00:26
    TS2 USERS - The issue that was preventing TS2 beamlines from collecting
    data has now been resolved.


04 March 2026 22:19
    Beam is back at @ 22:00. Machine will be left at this level overnight,
    tuning will resume early tomorrow.
    
    An expert is also looking into the problem TGT2 users are having with data
    collection.


04 March 2026 22:19
    Beam is back at @ 22:00. Machine will be left at this level overnight,
    tuning will resume early tomorrow.
    
    An expert is also looking into the problem TGT2 users are having with data
    collection.


04 March 2026 21:03
    All issues have been fixed, machine physicists currently working on setup.
    Update @ 22:00


04 March 2026 19:00
    We are still experiencing timing issues, experts are working on the
    issues. Update @ 21:00


04 March 2026 16:27
    All maintenance day work has been completed. We are currently having a
    timing issue which experts are working on. Once issue has been resolved
    setup will start.
    Update @ 18:00


04 March 2026 12:39
    Maintenance day work is going well. We have a new Ion Source in and
    running with a good output. There are a few bits of work still to be
    buttoned up. We will update MCR news when we are close to completing these.


04 March 2026 07:11
    Please be reminded that the machine will be going off at 08:30 today for
    maintenance day.


04 March 2026 03:26
    Beam restored to TS1


04 March 2026 03:21
    The EPB1 power supply is operational. We are changing machine modes to run
    to both target stations and will restore beam to TS1 within 15 minutes.


04 March 2026 02:41
    TS1 users:
    
    Our equipment specialist is working on the problematic EPB1 power supply.
    Update at 03:15 Hours.


04 March 2026 01:32
    We have an issue with an EPB1 power supply. An equipment specialist is on
    their way to site to investigate. We are configuring the machine for TS2
    running. Update at 02:30 if beam is not restored by then.


03 March 2026 17:29
    Machine update:-
    
    Beam restored to both target stations.


03 March 2026 16:39
    Machine update:-
    
    We have a problem with the fundamental RF systems in the Synchrotron.
    Experts are assisting with repairs.  Update 17:30hrs.


03 March 2026 13:27
    Base rate beam established back to TS1. Beam rep rate will be increased
    slowly over the next 10-15 minutes.


03 March 2026 12:36
    Target staff are having issues with the methane cooldown. They have
    indicated that it will take in the region of another 2-4 hours. Update at
    15:00hrs.


03 March 2026 10:14
    Target staff have managed to get the methane moderator back into liquid
    and it is cooling down. Update at 12:00hrs.


03 March 2026 06:59
    Attention TS1 Users:
    
    We have an Issue with the TS1 Methane Moderator and have disabled Beam
    whilst we investigate. At 06:25 Hours there was an issue and the Moderator
    started warming up. We have two Target Specialists on site investigating
    and they have estimated beam will be off for two to six Hours whilst the
    system recovers to operational temperatures.


02 March 2026 18:00
    Machine update:-
    
    Beam restored to both target stations.


02 March 2026 17:34
    Machine update:-
    
    We are suffering with a fault on Chip-IR's beam line radiation monitor
    holding off the beam, experts are on site trying to rectify the problem.


28 February 2026 14:49
    TS2 Users:
    
    Our Target Specialist is working on the issue with the CH4 Decoupled
    moderator. We will endeavour to restore beam as soon as we can. Update at
    15:30.


28 February 2026 13:53
    TS2 Users:
    
    Beam is currently off to allow the CH4 Decoupled Moderator temperature to