THE FERMI PROJECT AT TRIESTE: A LINAC-BASED ULTRA BRIGHT PHOTON SOURCE

ELETTRA is a 2.0 to 2.4 GeV third generation Synchrotron Light Source operating since 1994 in Trieste. At the end of 2004, after the commissioning of the new full energy injection system now under construction, the present 1.2 GeV pre-injector Linac will be fully available to drive a high brightness short wavelength FEL. The goal of the FERMI project is to reach 40 to 10 nm in 3 to 4 years (phase I and II), with a further extension down to 1.5 to 1.2 nm after 2 more years (phase III). The project, articulated along these three lines of development, allows gradual improvement of systems and consolidation of technologies. An overview of the project together with the main upgrading phases is presented.