High luminosity performance of the SPS proton-antiproton collider

In September 1988, the CERN SPS (Super Proton Synchrotron) collider was brought into operation for the first physics production run with the improved antiproton production and accumulation complex (AAC). The increased antiproton flux immediately resulted in a considerable improvement in the machine performance with initial luminosities exceeding 2.4*10/sup 30//cm/sup 2/ s, and weakly integrated luminosities an order of magnitude greater than achieved in the past. A total integrated luminosity of 3.4 inverse pbarns was produced, a factor of 5 greater than the best achieved in previous years. Performance statistics and operational experience in this new regime are discussed.<>