Following the successful return to service of OPAL's cold neutron source two weeks ago, we are glad to announce that our PLATYPUS neutron reflectometer is back in user service.
Regarding the problems mentioned in our news item of 18th January, the issues with the chopper system were resolved very quickly and have not caused any problems for several months.
The issue with the CG-3 guide that feeds PLATYPUS is now understood, and a short-term remedy has been implemented. A better long-term remedy will be implemented during 2012.
The schedule of experiments on PLATYPUS can be seen on our schedule webpage, and the remainder of outstanding commitments will be scheduled soon, with the intent of clearing the backlog by the end of this year.
Regarding our QUOKKA small-angle scattering instrument, it has also been taking data but, as we reported on 18th January, the replacement detector is still unstable in time, to the point that we cannot run user experiments until the original refurbished detector arrives back from the manufacturer.
Return of the detector has been delayed and we now expect it to arrive in June 2011. If all goes well, we hope to resume the experimental program on QUOKKA in August 2011.
Published: 30/05/2011