Beamline Alignment Issues for Soft X-rays at the Advanced Light Source

As the experimental floor of the ALS fills with beamlines the issues of alignment have become clearer. We have gained experience with the intrinsic stability of the ring and of the floor and the situations where automatic alignment systems are applicable can be identified.

The resources to develop automatic beamline alignment at the ALS are scarce. Generally, passive systems are preferred, but there are some clear examples where automatic systems are required. First, for pointing, there are servo mirror systems in use and planned. Second, for orientational adjustment of experiments, there is a need for combined automatic alignment and vibration isolation. Examples will be given and concepts explored.