A boost for SESAME in the Middle East
Synchrotrons are invaluable for looking into matter on scales ranging from biological cells to atoms. Today, more than 60 synchrotron light sources are operating worldwide, but SESAME is the first in the Middle East. The project has received the backing of scientists and synchrotron facilities throughout Europe along with significant funding. Through CESSAMAG(opens in new window) (CERN-EC support for SESAME magnets), the EU has granted an additional EUR 5 million in support. The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) coordinated on a voluntary basis the design, delivery and installation of the magnet system for the completion of the SESAME main storage ring. All the components were customised, as is the case for most accelerators. Under CESSAMAG, the EU funded the purchase of relevant materials for specific magnets and their construction. The project established a legal framework to allow CERN to act on behalf of SESAME for the procurement of these components. CERN contributed with technical expertise for the design, procurement, testing and characterisation of accelerator components. Their scientists and engineers helped design and deliver magnets (dipoles, quadrupoles, sextupoles and correctors) in the shortest possible time. For additional work, the main contracts were split among companies in Cyprus, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Tests were carried out at CERN with the aim of assembling the individual cells that made up the structure of SESAME's main storage ring. Besides magnets, this included the girder support structure and the powering scheme. The various components fulfilled and, in some cases, exceeded their specifications. Once tests confirmed that all subsystems worked well together, the accelerator components were shipped to the SESAME site in Jordan. Installation and commissioning of the synchrotron light source completed in 2016. In early 2017, the first beam circulated in the SESAME synchrotron, marking an important milestone in the journey to conducting research at the first light-source laboratory in the Middle East. In turn, this will open up the possibility of including SESAME in the network of European light sources. SESAME is part of a flagship initiative of the European Commission on furthering science diplomacy. Europe is successfully promoting scientific activities as a key ingredient for peace and stability in the Middle East region.