ESS plans taking shape

Abstract

The European Spallation Source (ESS) project aims for a decision in 2003 to build a unique third generation neutron source, according to a schedule which will allow start of operation in 2010. That the ESS is in a very active state became evident at the 7th ESS General Meeting held at Seggau Castle in Styria, Austria, from September 26–29, 2001. About 130 participants and more than fifty oral presentations dealt with the design and technical aspects of the facility. The meeting focused on the progress of the ESS project and the efforts required to achieve the milestones. The first day was devoted to the pre-sentation of the American and Japanese projects, which are already under construction, and to an extensive overview of the status of the ESS project. The second day con-centrated on detailed technical pre-sentations and discussions of the ESS study. It was arranged in three parallel sessions-accelerator and ring, target stations and instrumentation. Leading experts in the fields chaired these sessions and presented summaries of them on the last day of the meeting. Science and science-political issues were also discussed.