A reflexion on the potential evolution of the CLS machine complex : A "Gedanken" experiment

TL;DR

This paper explores the future of third-generation light sources like the Canadian Light Source amidst emerging fourth-generation facilities, considering operational, developmental, and strategic aspects within existing infrastructure constraints.

Contribution

It presents a conceptual 'Gedanken' experiment analyzing the potential evolution and competitiveness of CLS in the context of upcoming advanced light sources.

Findings

Highlights the importance of strategic planning for CLS's future.

Identifies knowledge gaps and opportunities for upgrades.

Emphasizes operational and developmental considerations.

Abstract

In the next 5 to 10 years, new fourth generation light sources will be coming online either from upgrades or as brand new facilities. The question regarding the competitiveness and the usability of a third generation light source is certainly in the mind of the scientific personnel, which includes both the beamline and the accelerator staff of any third Gen Research Infrastructures. At the Canadian Light Source (CLS), Accelerator Operation and Development (AOD) staff are responsible for the daily operation of the machines, their upgrades which extend to long term development and shall also raise awareness on their possibilities. The boundaries of this mind experiment are 1) we must use CLS infrastructure, 2) identify the existence of the knowledge to realize an idea, 3) the realization, with whom, how, with which funds and under which administrative supervision is out of bounds.