The EBIS ion source has been leak tested, but no leak has been found. The pressure is currently around 10-9 torr, but should be an order of magnitude better. The pressure is good enough for testing the cathode and produce an electron beam, which is what will be started as soon as possible.
The plan for the next ion run was finalized during the meeting last Wednesday. The schedule is on the www. Click here to see it.
The separator is having pumps and vacuum systems checked and the test runs with ions for the next ion run will continue as soon as it is ready.
The ASTRID beamlines are all running well.
A collaboration between the institute of Geology in Aarhus, ISA and Jens Martin Knudsen's group at NBI has been formed. Aarhus will contribute with x-ray microscopy, UV radiation, isotope separation and terrestrial soil investigations. A Mars simulator will be built in the parking basement. It will consist of a large tank in which pressure, atmosphere and possibly temperature on the Mars surface can be reproduced. The purpose is to test equipment for the Mars missions. Jens Martin Knudsen will come here to give some lectures discussing the various projects. The first lecture will be on Tuesday April 13.
At HASYLAB/DESY, a setup exists to do 3D microtomography. The main application is in biology, e.g. bone structure. A group (TW, SLL and SVH) from ISA will go there to take part in it, and assist a group of medical doctors presently using the setup. It is interesting for us, because the equipment may be moved to Aarhus later on to be used on ASTRID II. You can read about the system by clicking here.(Requires Acrobat Reader).
23/3 1999 / nh+spm