The Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD) at Louisiana State University (LSU) is currently under a restructuring. Plans are underway to write a formal proposal for new funding sources. You might remember that CAMD is the only state-supported synchrotron ring in the world. Now in its 14th year of operation, it is time to look toward the future. A new, third-generation light source has been proposed. Called Southeastern Accelerator Light Source (SEALS), this 2-GeV machine is being planned at an estimated cost of $100 million, still moderately priced as compared with other facilities currently under construction. It is unclear whether this new ring will be built on the existing CAMD site or at some alternate location in the Southeast. If any of you have access to or have been involved in writing similar proposals, I would appreciate your insights and input.
Professor David Ederer has assumed the acting directorship of the CAMD/LSU facility. Dave is professor emeritus from Tulane University, a former user of the CAMD facility, and an active user at both the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Lab and Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. We are enjoying his tenure, brief though it may be. Dave is a superb asset, but he has made it clear that at almost 71 years of age, he shall not remain beyond one year. A search for a permanent director is underway. So let us know of potential candidates.