Tantalus, a 240 MeV dedicated source of synchrotron radiation, 1968-1986

Abstract

Tantalus was a 240 MeV electron storage ring completed and commissioned in 1968. It was the first storage ring operated exclusively for the production of synchrotron radiation, although it was not designed for that purpose. As such, it influenced the operating pattern for subsequent dedicated sources of synchrotron radiation. Pioneering experiments using synchrotron radiation were carried out on this machine, and innovative instrumentation was produced there. It ceased operation in 1986.