The Australian Synchrotron is using reports compiled for phase 1 and phase 2 beamlines as a basis for developing conceptual design reports (CDRs). The facility is also providing information and feedback to allow other groups to develop CDRs; these include a proposal for new crystallography capabilities. CDRs are an important milestone in our continuing development and will help provide the detailed technical information required to assess and begin the build process for new beamlines. The first CDRs are scheduled for completion around the end of 2011, with the remainder early in the new year.

The technical aspects of the development of CDRs are being mediated by the Development Working Group, whose members are drawn from the AS, the Scientific Advisory Committee to the AS, and expert technical advisors. As part of the process of developing the CDRs, independent expert reviews of the technical approach chosen for each beamline are being undertaken in order to provide an additional assessment of the validity of the design approaches provided by the BSGs.

Kia Wallwork, the synchrotron’s Principal Beamline Development and Operations Advisor, said the synchrotron was “delighted to have received such detailed reports from the beamline scoping groups”.

“We’re grateful to the beamline scoping groups and the synchrotron community for their ongoing support and invaluable contributions.”

The synchrotron website provides further information on the AS development process, and answers to frequently asked questions. http://archive.synchrotron.org.au/index.php/about-us/australian-synchrotron-development-plan