Minutes from ISOLDE Physics Group meeting, 15th June 2016.

No comments to the minutes from the previous PG meeting: 

Please read the minutes.

Technical news:

ISOLDE:     

• After the Technical Stop the booster had problems delivering protons for about 6 hours.
• GPS:
  
  • Setting up and on stand-by for negative ion run on the GLM.
• HRS:
  
  • Was running at 40 keV – Neutron rich Indium and Barium beams for IDS.
  • The Separator magnet turned off – but again the displayed VISTAR info remained green/ok.
  • Beam was lost Friday night around 20:00 – all controls looked fine and green, but…
    • RILIS had a look at the target heating and found it was cold.
    • Target and beam controls were found to be turned off – The PLC controlling the power supplies was in a “strange error mode”.
    • A hardward reset (removing memory cards) was needed to get the system back.
    • The TIMBER-log (real time direct data-log for debugging) showed correct data (supplies off) – but the controls showed green and fine.
      • Control panels does not show direct data but goes through INCA software layers.
      • This will be investigated and if possible to also view the direct feedback.
    • 5-6 hours were lost due to this issue.
  • During the Barium run the target developed a leak Monday night, that recovered fast without taking protons. 
  • IDS tried to take as much beam as possible “fighting” the interlocks.
    • This is now the 3^rd new target in a row leaking after taking protons for some weeks.

• RILIS:
  
  • The TiSa laser had minor problems Tuesday.

• REX/HIE:
  
  • 9-gap amplifiers test is soon done.
  • Beam has been sent to the last diagnostic box before the superconducting cryo-module (end of LINAC).
  • Delay on cooling the cryo-module, about 2.5 weeks – now cavities at 150 K
    • Next is cold gas, then LHe
    • 1 week could be re-gained depending on the cooldown.

• Target:
  
  • The leaks on the 3 newly produced targets in a row will be investigated by the target group.
    • The new targets were supposed to build up the spare target stock for use as backups; this stock is now very low.
  • The target based on last year’s design which was intended for negative ion run, gave bad efficiency, and wouldn’t have been capable of producing sufficient yields for the physics programme
    • It was decided to make a new target based on an older design (using LaB6 pellets). This has resulted in a 2 days delay.   
  • The Bi target unit is almost completed.
  • Pb target under construction.

Physics:

• GPS:     
  
  • Is getting ready to deliver beams for the negative run - Astatine to GLM, and TISD tests of halogen beams
• HRS:
  
  • IDS had a good run collecting good statistics on the neutron rich In.
  • Made systematic studies of the isomers.
    • The RILIS team was fast to switch.
  • The Barium had a good start but could only run about 2 shifts with low yields due to the target leak.
    • Could confirm previous data and can add the data/statistics to a previous run.

Safety:

• 508/labs:
  
  • Please, the labs are not a place for a bike. Bike are forbidden in building 508 and especially in the controlled area. Laboratories in the bottom floor.
• Training/Access:
  
  • Karl gave an exceptional local hands-on training at 508/170 due to no trainers being available.
• VISITS:
  
  • A new IMPACT code has been added for guides.
    • Please ask Kara in order to add you to the IMPACT list.
  • Remember All visits have to be informed to Alexandre Dorsival and Kara.

AOB:

• Discount in restaurants R1 and R2:
  
  • A reduction of 10% is given to students below 25 yr.
    • Pick up a discount card from Jenny/EP department.

The next ISOLDE PG meeting will be held on 15 June 2016 followed by a seminar by Stavroula Pallada, "111mCd(II) PAC spectroscopy applied to bacteria metal ion sensor proteins".

Minutes taken by ~TEM