SRS-2: performance and achievements

Late in 1986 the Daresbury SRS, an early design of the dedicated synchrotron radiation source, ceased operation and was rebuilt with a higher brilliance lattice. The new facility, SRS-2, commenced operation for users in June 1987 and since then significant further improvements have been introduced. The present operational status is summarized, and major areas of accelerator physics activity are described. User beams over 250 mA with lifetimes in excess of 25 h are now routinely achieved. In single-bunch-mode user beams of 30 mA are delivered. Current-dependent beam dimensions have been investigated, including instability thresholds. The very long beam lifetime which is now achieved, even at high current, is proving to be very beneficial to the research program. However, beam size growth at high current is limiting the brilliance, and an understanding and solution are being sought.<>