Injector
The Injector Group is responsible for the H- ion source, the RFQ and the 70 MeV drift tube linear accelerator (linac). Ion source, electrical and radio frequency support sections within the Group maintain the high performance of the injector, and the accelerator physics section is involved in linac research and development. The Group also runs an ion source development programme lead by Dan Faircloth.
Synchrotron
The Synchrotron Group provides RF engineering, machine physics and beam diagnostics expertise for the synchrotron and extracted proton beam line. Members of the Group are involved in ISIS development programmes such as the provision of dual harmonic cavities in the synchrotron, beamline design for the ISIS Second Target Station Project and possible future upgrades to 1 - 5 MW.
Accelerator Controls
The ISIS accelerator systems have some 6000 parameters that have to be monitored or controlled and around 1000 electronic interface modules. The Accelerator Controls Group develops the computer control system hardware and software for the ISIS accelerator, target and control rooms using the Vsystem package plus a variety of custom and industrial control hardware and software. This includes the integration of new equipment as components are replaced on the accelerator.
Operations and Installations
Facility-wide installation services are co-ordinated by the Operations and Installations Group through its electrical, mechanical, ancillary plant and vacuum sections. The Group is also responsible for the correct operation of the facility during user cycles, and has responsibility for the ISIS infrastructure and the mechanical and electrical workshops.
Target Controls
The Target Controls Group provides support for the neutron target station and intermediate muon target operations as well as developing target control systems.
Electrical Engineering
The Electrical Engineering Group is responsible for the maintenance and development of the synchrotron and extracted proton beam line. Electrical support is provided for the synchrotron in particular and ISIS in general. The Group is involved in many upgrade projects, including replacement of the main magnet power supply and a new high voltage kicker power supply system.
Experimental Halls
The operation of the neutron target station and the intermediate muon target are the responsibility of the Experimental Halls Group. In addition, the Group provides an installation and survey service in support of ISIS programmes, and supplies a ‘heavy gang’ service for the facility.
Ion Beams
The Ion Beams Group is engaged in a variety of projects including studies of high power targets for a future neutrino factory, release mechanisms in radioactive ion beam targets and the Muon Ionisation Cooling Experiment (MICE).
Theory and Future Projects
Much of the physics underpinning the operation of the ISIS accelerator is provided by the Theory and Future Projects Group. In addition, the Group is involved in development projects such as synchrotron design for a possible 1 MW upgrade for the facility. The Group maintains high level scientific links with other accelerator laboratories and with international accelerator-based projects, including a collaboration with CERN on neutrino factory rings, with Fermilab on an 8 GeV proton driver, and with the KEK group designing the JPARC project in Japan.
Project Engineering
The Project Engineering Group provides professional mechanical engineering expertise to create new facilities from concept through detailed design, costing, project management, procurement and installation to commissioning and operation. The Group is also committed to maintain mechanical engineering safety standards throughout the facility.
Health Physics
Health physics services for all ISIS activities are the responsibility of the Health Physics Group. The Group ensures that the ALARA principle (all radiation exposures should be As Low As Reasonably Attainable) is fully complied with in respect of doses to staff and visitors. The Group also provides health physics training for staff and visitors and is responsible for management of radioactive waste.
