CESAR, 2 MeV electron storage ring; general view.

CESAR (CERN Electron Storage and Accumulation Ring) was built as a study-model for the ISR (Intersecting Storage Rings). The model had to be small (24 m circumference) and yet the particles had to be highly relativistic, which led to the choice of electrons. On the other hand, in order to model the behaviour of protons, effects from synchrotron radiation had to be negligible, which meant low magnetic fields (130 G in the bending magnets) and a corresponding low energy of 1.75 MeV. All the stacking (accumulation) procedures envisaged for the ISR were proven with CESAR, and critical aspects of transverse stability were explored. Very importantly, CESAR was the test-bed for the ultrahigh vacuum techniques and components, essential for the ISR, with a final pressure of 6E-11 Torr. The CESAR project was decided early in 1960, design was completed in 1961 and construction in 1963. After an experimental period from 1964 to 1967, CESAR was dismantled in 1968.