Status and progress of the J-PARC 3-GeV RCS

Kinsho, Michikazu  

The J-PARC 3-GeV rapid cycling synchrotron (RCS) has been operated for the neutron and MLF users program from December 23rd, 2008. The RCS operations not only in support of the MLF but also were providing beam to support commissioning of the MR. In parallel we are challenging to realize higher beam power operations with better stability. Before scheduled maintenance last summer beam power was limited by the front end of about 20 kW, after that maintenance the RCS has been operated the beam power of more than 100 kW for MLF users. After beam deliver operation to the MR and MLF, while the priority has been given to their beam tuning, the RCS also continues further beam studies toward higher beam intensity. On December 7th, 2009, the RCS achieved the beam power of more than 300 kW to the neutron production target with 25 Hz. This presentation will concentrate itself on the outcome of the J-PARC RCS commissioning program, including the discussion on the issues of the high-power operation.