ERHIC - Future machine for experiments on electron-ion collisions

The paper presents recent developments for the design of the high luminosity electron-ion collider, eRHIC, proposed on the basis of the existing RHIC machine. The goal of eRHIC is to provide collisions of electrons and positrons on ions and protons in the center-of-mass energy range from 30 to 100 GeV. Lepton beams as well as the beam of protons (and, possibly, light ions) should be polarized. Two independent designs are under development, the so called 'ring-ring' and 'linac-ring' options. The 'ring-ring' option is based on a 10 GeV electron storage ring. The design issues for the 'ring-ring' option are similar to those at existing B-factories. In the 'linac-ring' option the electron beam is accelerated in a 10 GeV recirculating energy recovery linac. This option may provide higher luminosities (>1e33 cm-2s-1 for e-p collisions), but requires considerable R&D studies for a high current electron polarized source. In order to maximize the collider luminosity, ion ring upgrades, such as electron cooling and ion beam intensity increase are considered.