Commissioning of the Argonne Intense Pulsed Neutron Source (IPNS-I) Accelerator

The IPNS-I 500 MeV Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS) was commissioned during March of 1977. It was originally designed as an injection energy booster for the Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS), as well as a source of high intensity proton beams for neutron production. With the termination of the high intensity operation of the ZGS, the accelerator became a dedicated machine for neutron physics. After a period of tuning and improving accelerator components, the accelerator officially began neutron physics experiments on July 1, 1978. The accelerator has achieved a repetition rate of 15 Hz with beams of 1 × 1012 protons delivered on target. Operation at 30 Hz is expected soon. A description of the accelerator is presented. Turn on procedures, operating experience and initial performance problems are also discussed.