Commissioning of the University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER)

The University of Maryland electron ring (UMER) is a low-energy, high current recirculator for beam physics research. The ring is completed for multi-turn operation of beams over a broad range of intensities and initial conditions. UMER is addressing issues in beam physics with relevance to any applications that rely on intense beams of high quality. Examples are advanced accelerators, FEL’s, spallation neutron sources and future heavy-ion drivers for inertial fusion. We review the ring layout and operating conditions, and present a summary of beam physics areas that UMER is currently investigating and others that are part of the commissioning plan. We also emphasize the computer simulation work that is an integral part of the UMER project.