Operation of a 3 GeV Fast Cycling Proton Synchrotron

The Princeton-Pennsylvania Accelerator at the Forrestal Research Center in Princeton operates at approximately 19 pulses per second. It quite consistently achieves 1 to 2 × 1010 protons per pulse and has been tuned up, in ways which we do not yet know how to reproduce, to an intensity of 5 to 6 × 1010 protons per pulse. Since August 1963 it has been serving simultaneously one to four prime users, plus a similar number of parasites, with beams of ¿ and K mesons generated in an internal stationary target, usually platinum. Beam spill is achieved over a time of 2 to 4 msecs with some synchrotron oscillation structure and 100% RF structure. The latter has been used effectively in some experiments as a means for velocity selection in momentum analyzed beams. In addition to serving experiments, current major efforts of the staff are directed toward increasing stability and intensity, improving overall reliability in general and spill control in particular, preparing for an external proton beam, and accumulating equipment and experienced manpower for general support of experiments. Operating schedules and procedures will be described.