The Australian Synchrotron achieved another major operational milestone on 15 December when the storage ring was filled to 200 mA, the target "circulating current" for the Australian Synchrotron.

Having achieved ‘first light’ in July 2006, the storage ring is now operating daily. Progressive ramping-up of current continued from mid-November when the current was increased from 100 mA (achieved for more than 10 hours) to full operating current of 200 mA.

During a programmed shutdown at site at the end of October, power supplies (linac, booster, and storage ring) were upgraded, and the storage ring RF system capability brought up to full power. Beam current was returned early in November.

Cavity conditioning work has been completed by Toshiba with all four cavity systems passing their 48-hour full power acceptance tests. All are now in operation. Installation of the new narrow-gap wiggler vacuum vessel is complete and the XAS wiggler has arrived and is being installed.

In the experimental area contractors have been installing cable trays, pulling cables and installing air and water services for the experimental hutches.

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Following achievement of first light on Friday 14 July 2006, the Australian Synchrotron team has continued to optimise the electron beam, achieving currents up to 67 mA, and a lifetime of more than 5 hours at 20 mA.

Following achievement of first light on Friday 14 July 2006, the Australian Synchrotron team has continued to optimise the electron beam, achieving currents up to 67 mA, and a lifetime of more than 5 hours at 20 mA.

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