SLAC Today is available online at:
http://today.slac.stanford.edu
In this issue:
New Modulator Technology Looks Feasible for ILC
Colloquium Monday: High Performance Neural Prostheses
SLAC Celebrates Service Awardees
CEF Service Request System Upgrade

SLAC Today

Friday - February 23, 2007

New Modulator Technology Looks Feasible for ILC

Greg Leyh, Jeff Olsen, Piotr Blum and Alfred Viceral stand next to the Marx modulator. (Click on image for larger version.)

A new type of modulator developed at SLAC reached important milestones on Wednesday, making it feasible to more reliably and less expensively provide power to accelerate particles at the proposed International Linear Collider (ILC).

"This is a great accomplishment with very positive consequences for the ILC. Thanks to all involved for their hard work," said Gerry Dugan, regional director for ILC Americas.

The ILC Marx Modulator, developed by Greg Leyh with Piotr Blum in the Power Conversion Engineering group, successfully delivered 120,000 volts at a current of 140 amperes, the voltage and current required by the klystrons, which pump power into the linear accelerator to accelerate electrons and positrons. Modulators convert AC power into specifically shaped pulses of DC power that can be used by klystrons.

The ILC baseline design currently includes fully proven modulators that are considerably larger, more expensive, and less efficient than the Marx Modulator. If the new modulator demonstrates reliable full power operation by successfully completing a planned 2,000 hour test, it will be proposed as the new Baseline.  Read more...

Colloquium Monday

High Performance Neural Prostheses


Neuron image by Galeria Maxon

The body's seemingly effortless ability to reach out and swat a fly or grab a cup belies the sophisticated neural computations of the nervous system. It has long been recognized that, before moving, the body somehow prepares neural activity to create the desired movement. But the goals of movement preparation and the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood.

In next week's colloquium, Stanford Professor Krishna Shenoy will describe his recent investigations into how the cerebral (pre-motor) cortex prepares and helps execute movements. He will also discuss real-time electronic systems which are capable of translating neural plans into prosthetic movements.

The colloquium takes place Monday at 4:15 p.m. in Panofsky Auditorium. All are invited to attend. Learn more...


This colloquium was originally scheduled for December 18, 2006, but was rescheduled for this Monday due to illness.

SLAC Celebrates
Service Awardees

(Photo - Celebration)
Revelers at last Tuesday's Service Awards Dinner. (Image courtesy of Diana Rogers.)

A celebration was held last Tuesday night at the Stanford Faculty Club for staff members who have served 20, 30, 40 and even 50 years at SLAC.

Highlights of the evening included an impromptu performance by the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band and a special salute to Burt Richter—who has spent 50 years working for SLAC—by the lab's own Jamie Davis, who sang a personalized version of "My Way."

Congratulations to all! See photographs of the event here.

CEF Service Request System Upgrade


The CEF Service Request System before (left) and after the upgrade.

Conventional and Experimental Facilities' Service Request System application will be upgraded this Monday, February 26. The impact is almost entirely cosmetic and all data currently in the system will transfer to the new application. Users may notice a few subtle color and button graphic changes, but can continue to submit and search Service Requests as usual.

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