News from the technical group – the shutdown works continues at ISOLDE:
- some scanners were replaced and tested offline;
- the fast tape-station seems to work, and the Strasbourg group will come to perform some tests;
- ISCOOL integration in the ISOLDE vacuum controls is underway;
- REX-TRAP is ready for running, REX-LINAC will get a new vacuum chamber which will be a holder for polarizing foils. Concrete shielding is in place; its roof with come end of March and the end closure during next shutdown. Additional off-line REX-TRAP mass resolution tests are planned, since variations in the rf potentials might have disturbed the previous results.
- The HRS RILIS windows was exchanged - not strongly coated with material
- Hendrik Vestergard is working on the vacuum system controls.
- Compressed air: a new air-drying system is being implemented, which will have no “white powder”
- Cryogenic safety: all ISOLDE dewars have been checked and got the required stickers (reservoir a pression - RP numbers). Some of them will need to be tested soon.
- We have now one active dosimeter available permanently for the ISOLDE physics group. You can take it from Alex for visits with 1-3 persons. For larger groups please use the usual official procedure involving RP approval.
- The 1st target on GPS will be a BeO (1st/2nd April week) and production tests of 6He will take place for the recently signed collaboration agreement between ISOLDE and GANIL. At the same time there will be also offline tests of ISCOOL.
A.O.B.
- CMS is open for visits until June 2009, but you need to find an official CMS guide willing to guide you.
- There was a HR expose last week: HR strategy at CERN will be changed this autumn for a flexible one, where more fixed-term contracts will be available at more stages of the staff contracts. A survey will be performed to see the CERN staff opinions. Also, the recruitment will be more proactive, with emphasis on who will be needed in the future. The top objective is training. Users were reminded that they should act according to the code of conduct.
M. Kowalska