NSLSIIAPS

NSLSIIAPS is a proposed collaborative framework intended to integrate the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory with the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. The concept envisions shared governance, synchronized user programs, and cross-facility access to optimize the use of U.S. light-source infrastructure.

Overview of NSLS-II and APS: NSLS-II is a newer, ultra-bright, low-emittance storage-ring facility designed to provide high-coherence X-ray beams, while APS is a long-running, high-capacity 7 GeV light source with a broad suite of beamlines across multiple disciplines. Both facilities are operated under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science and serve diverse scientific fields, including materials science, biology, chemistry, and physics.

Proposed elements: NSLSIIAPS would aim to establish a unified accelerator R&D program, joint beamline planning and commissioning, a common data and user-management platform, and coordinated training and international collaborations. The initiative would seek to harmonize scheduling, accessibility, and instrumentation development across the two laboratories.

Potential benefits and challenges: Potential benefits include expanded user access, more efficient use of major research infrastructure, and accelerated instrument development. Challenges include governance complexity, funding allocation, data governance and security, and alignment of safety, compliance, and intellectual property regimes.

Status: NSLSIIAPS remains a conceptual proposal without formal approval or funding as of now. It appears in strategic discussions about the future of U.S. synchrotron facilities and their collaborative potential.