Sesame in Jordan

An overview of the status of SESAME
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is presented. SESAME will become a major international research center in the Middle East, located in Allan, Jordan. The machine design is based on a 2.5 GeV 3
^rd
generation Light Source with an emittance of ∼ 26 nm. rad and 12 straights for insertion devices. The conceptual design of the accelerator complex has been frozen and the engineering design is started. The Phase I scientific program for SESAME has also been finalized and it foresees 6 Beamlines, including 2 IR ports. The construction of SESAME building is in progress and the beneficial occupancy is expected by the first half of 2006. The completion of the accelerators complex construction is scheduled for the end of 2009.