Jefferson Lab Weekly Briefs September 1, 2010

Jefferson Lab Weekly Briefs
September 1, 2010

12 GeV Upgrade

The klystron vendor has successfully demonstrated 13 kilowatt output from the initial klystron. This was a significant event for the radiofrequency system’s success. The required operating parameters have been transmitted to the vendor for the power supplies for the klystrons. The first new dipole magnet for the beam transport spreaders and recombiners has been received. Five additional 4-meter beam transport dipole magnets were received, which brings the total delivered to 17 of the 36 in the contract. The 12 GeV accelerator installation work during the current accelerator shutdown is going extremely well. Low-level RF fabrication and Central Helium Liquefier installation activities continue to be ahead of schedule. Testing of the first two niobium cavities for the cryomodule production was suspended while modifications to the Test Lab are being made as part of the TEDF project.

Accelerator

The second full week of the scheduled down went well. Injector vacuum work was completed, and the system was pumped down with no leaks. The failed chopper housing was removed and replaced. Turbo vacuum carts were fitted with an uninterruptible power supply to allow them to stay on and continue to function during minor power interruptions. Wednesday's planned power outage went smoothly after a rough start. When power was turned off, the backup generator failed to start due to a low coolant level, which was eventually traced to a flaky level sensor. Coolant level was raised to satisfy the sensor and the generator was started within 45 minutes. The 40 MVA substation work was completed and power restored to the normal source by 10:30 a.m. Contractors completed the low-conductivity water piping installation in the west arc. The Machine Control Center UPS was replaced with a new unit. The vacuum valve for 2L16 was replaced and pump downs began in preparation for cooldown next week. Beam switchyard dump shielding was temporarily removed and the dumps were wired to provide a current readback. There were too many cable pulls, alignments and upgrades to list separately, but nonetheless, a lot of hard work is being performed by many.

Free-Electron Laser

The ultraviolet FEL ran extremely well last week. The FEL team lased robustly again and measured the gain at 700 nanometers. The team then shut down for a major sitewide power outage and later brought all systems back successfully. The team took advantage of the shutdown to align the 400 nm mirrors for the push to shorter wavelengths, which was attempted for the first time on Friday.

Theory Center

In a new paper by Theory Center staff and researchers in Portugal, a relativistic quark model was applied to study electroproduction of the Δ(1600) resonance, which is the first radial excitation of the ground state Δ(1232) in the spin-3/2, isospin-3/2 channel <arXiv:1008.3822 [hep-th]>. The Δ(1600) resonance is revealed through double-pion production in NN collisions and is included in some π N scattering reaction models. In the current model, the electromagnetic N Δ(1600) transition form factors are determined by adding contributions from valence quarks with those from the pion cloud, with the latter estimated by analogy with the Δ(1232) electroproduction reaction.

JLab's Safety Numbers

2 Days since Last Recordable Accident (JLab record: 331)
2 Days since Last Lost Workday Accident (JLab record: 676)

JLab Calendar of Events

Sept. 6: Labor Day holiday - JLab closed
Sept. 7: Safety Shoe Vendor onsite
Sept. 20: Safety Shoe Vendor onsite
Oct. 5: American Red Cross Blood Drive
Oct. 5: Science Series: Einstein for Everyone

Environment, Safety, Health & Quality

Verifying Lab Status During Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather, you can always check the lab's status through one of the following communication channels:

  • Call (757) 269-7100 or (757) 234-6236 for recorded information
  • Visit the Jefferson Lab website: www.jlab.org
  • Check your JLab E -Mail Account and JLab pager
  • Check your home phone voicemail: JLab may send a recorded message to your JLab-registered home phone number
  • Tune in to a local television or radio station to check the closing and delayed opening announcements. Note that the lab cannot guarantee the information will be posted by local media or how quickly the information is updated.

If you are still unsure of the lab's reporting status, check with your immediate supervisor.

Announcements

New Training Record Management System
Two training records databases have now been merged into a single Learning Management System (LMS). There are two interfaces in the LMS: learner and administrator. The learner interface brings up a personal training page for everyone with a JLab username and provides links to web-based classes, Skill Requirements (SRLs), the Employee Job Task Analysis (EJTA) tool for updating requirements, and registration for any upcoming class. The administrator interface is designed for course creation and modification for course owners, instructors and training administrators. If you have any questions or suggestions for further improvements, contact Bruce Ullman, x7170.

Performance Appraisal Update
The current performance appraisal period ends on Sept. 30, and the 2010 electronic appraisal system will go live on Oct. 1. Although there have not been many changes to the process since last year, Human Resources will offer training in September for all employees and supervisors who are new to the process or who would like a refresher. The first class is set for Sept. 9. Register for this and subsequent classes online.


Register for a Lunchtime Seminar to Sharpen your Approach in Challenging Situations: Dealing with Difficult People
This bring-your-own-lunch seminar will take place in CEBAF Center room F113, noon-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14. It offers tools and suggestions for confronting and diffusing behaviors that can disrupt the workplace environment, interfere with productivity and negatively impact employee morale. Registration is required due to limited space. To sign up, contact Betty Beeler, x6999, or Bruce Ullman, x7170.

Onsite TIAA-CREF Counseling Offered
TIAA-CREF will offer individual counseling sessions onsite on Oct. 28-29 and Dec. 16-17. In these sessions, employees can discuss their personal financial situation with a TIAA-CREF consultant on a confidential basis. To discuss your plan and options for managing your retirement savings or to schedule an appointment with a TIAA-CREF individual consultant, call TIAA-CREF at (800) 732-8353, M-F, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

 

Accelerator End-of-Run Party
The Accelerator Division is hosting a party for all staff/users to thank them for their contributions in making the 2010 Spring/Summer run successful. The party will take place Sept. 2 at 3 p.m. on the Residence Facility Field. Food and drink will be provided.