Research here probes the fine structure of matter, from the protons, neutrons, quarks and gluons in the atom's nucleus to the electrons that bind to nuclei to make atoms. This work relies on the lab's world-leading superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) technology, which powers its accelerator, the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF). Jefferson Lab also leads development of the High Performance Data Facility, a new data-intensive computing capability built with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and is partnering with Brookhaven National Laboratory to design and build the Electron-Ion Collider — a next-generation machine that will deepen our understanding of how quarks and gluons build the visible universe.
U.S. Department of Energy provides initial funding for CEBAF research, development and design.
Scientists interested in conducting research once the facility is operational form the CEBAF Users Group. CEBAF's User community includes scientists, researchers, engineers, teachers and students. The group strives to: • encourage and assist scientists and engineers in the use of CEBAF. • create and maintain effective communication channels for the exchange of information between the CEBAF staff and others interested in using CEBAF. • engage effective methods of offering counsel to the CEBAF management on policy affecting facility development and utilization. • promote effective use of CEBAF for the benefit of society. To obtain experiment time at CEBAF, researchers submit proposals outlining the type of experiment they wish to perform and the estimated number of "beam hours" they will need. Proposals are reviewed and graded by the Program Advisory Committee (PAC), a committee of physics experts from universities and laboratories worldwide.
Hermann Grunder assumes the lab's first directorship.
CEBAF adopts superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) particle accelerating technology.
Construction begins on the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility, known as CEBAF.
First successful tests of a cryounit, a section of accelerator containing two superconducting radiofrequency accelerator cavities, demonstrate feasibility of SRF in CEBAF. This image shows two SRF particle accelerator cavities assembled together. These are the innermost parts of a cryounit. Once fully assembled, a cryounit resembles one quarter of a full cryomodule.
DOE awards management and operating contract to the Southeastern Universities Research Association, the original contractor that won the bid for building the new lab.
Workers install Gray Ghost II. Each modular section of the CEBAF accelerator is called a cryomodule. Gray Ghost II was the first production cryomodule to be installed in the CEBAF tunnel. It was installed in the injector, which is the first section of the machine, for testing. Following testing, the cryomodule was removed and cut up again for parts.
The CEBAF Injector, the source of electrons for the accelerator, reaches full design energy, accelerating an electron beam to 45 mega-electron volts (MeV). In its original design, the CEBAF injector began with a 100 kV thermionic gun. Various components shape individual bunches of electrons generated by the gun into the beam that will be accelerated as the electrons travel through the machine. A five cell graded beta capture section is used to accelerate the beam to 500 keV for injection into the first superconducting cavities. A two-cavity cryounit accelerates the beam to a nominal 5 MeV. Following a long drift section, the beam enters two standard cryomodules for acceleration to 45 MeV.
CEBAF receives its first patent, for a cryogenic liquid-level measuring apparatus.
