The new kid on the block

Today's column is written by Vladimir Shiltsev, Director of the Accelerator Physics Center

Vladimir Shiltsev

June 1 was the International Children's Day. It coincided with the arrival of a new "child" in the organizational structure of Fermilab, the Accelerator Physics Center.

The new center will continue the work of the lab's founding fathers and focus on the development and design of accelerators. While the Accelerator Division focuses on operating and improving the existing accelerator complex at Fermilab, the APC will help to lay the foundation for future accelerators and strengthen the "A" in FNAL.

The APC provides both a physical location and an organizational structure that can accommodate accelerator scientists and engineers, both from Fermilab and from outside institutions. This team of experts will lead the work on new types of accelerators, beam physics, novel accelerator experiments and development of new ideas.

We are going to extend the successful approach used for Collider Run II when accelerator experimentalists and theorists as well as detector scientists worked closely together in the area of advanced beam research. You can already see people from all four Fermilab divisions on the APC org chart, and we expect the influx of people to continue. The APC will also be part-time home for our collaborators from Argonne, Muons Inc., IIT, NIU and other labs and universities -- both national and international -- as we undertake joint initiatives in the field of accelerators.

The APC will contribute to the improvement of performance of the existing accelerator complex, and the development of new technologies and accelerator concepts that could enable new forefront facilities beyond the current decade. We will not only develop modern simulation tools and beam theory, but will conduct experimental accelerator research as well.

Our work will include research on muon collider technology at the MuCool Test Area, on a high-intensity neutrino source at the Meson Detector Building and on advanced acceleration techniques at the New Muon Lab. From my own experience I know that this mix is a recipe for a vibrant research environment and will challenge the many creative minds in the field. It will be an excellent foundation for an advanced education program in accelerator physics.

The new kid is extremely friendly and open-minded, so come and bring your ideas and helping hands to the table. Let the fun begin!

Pine Street closed Wednesday, delays Thursday
Due to a weather delay, utility trenching and pavement marker installation activities will require closures of both inbound and outbound Pine Street today. The Pine Street entrance will be open Thursday, but there will be temporary flagman delays both inbound and outbound. Weather conditions could alter this schedule. Check Fermilab Today for weather-related schedule changes. Please use the Wilson St. gate as the detour route. Notice and detour signs will be posted.

Parking ban along Kautz Road curve
For safety reasons, Fermilab is eliminating twelve parking spots along Kautz Road, along the curve near Swan Lake. Signs have been posted. More information.

Weight Watchers at Fermilab
There will be a FREE open house meeting on June 20 at 12:30 p.m. in the WH15NW conference room. The next session of Weight Watchers meetings will begin on July 18. Weigh-in at Noon and class begins at 12:30 p.m. in the WH15NW conference room. This session will be a special summer short and will run for 9 weeks for the price of $99.00. Questions or to register contact the Recreation Office, X2548 or X5427. Registration and payment is due by June 20 or June 27.

Additional Activities