Alcator C-Mod Weekly Highlights Dec 27, 2004 FY 2005 weeks of research operation planned: 14 weeks, completed: 0 weeks. We are currently up-to-air with the primary goal of installing the lower hybrid launcher. In addition, a large number of in-vessel activities are ongoing in support of ICRF and diagnostic systems. Maintenance and upgrades to diagnostic and power systems are also in progress. Operations ---------- In-vessel work on the high pressure gas jet tube bracket was completed. The bracket for the cryopump baffle assembly was completed. Physics Program --------------- The initial prioritization meetings for all of the C-Mod Task Forces considering proposals for the next experimental campaign were completed last week. Individuals responsible for preparing MiniProposals covering the high priority proposals have been designated, and MP's for near-term experiments are expected in January. Information on the 2005 Ideas Forum and the subsequent Task Force deliberations can be found at http://www.psfc.mit.edu/cmod/sciprogram/ideas2005/index.html and links therein. ICRF Systems ------------ The new final power amplifier tube (FPA) has been installed in transmitter #1. This tube replaces a lower power FPA which was in use at the conclusion of the 2004 experimental campaign. Low-power testing and repairs on the power supply for the fast ferrite tuning (FFT) system are proceeding. An inventory of all small electronic components used in this system was compiled, and spare parts have been ordered. Documentation provided by the vendor is being updated and placed in our filing system. Lower Hybrid System ------------------- Final machining and cleanup of the LH couplers was completed. High power testing of the couplers has been successfully completed. All 4 couplers (96 windows total) are helium leak-tight, and have been mounted onto the forward wave-guide, with vacuum and RF seals in place. The assembly has been installed into the vacuum test-stand, and passed a complete leak-test. After pumpdown and prior to bakeout, the base pressure is in the low 10^{-8} torr range. The system will be vacuum baked during the coming week, and then, following final leak-checks on the test stand, will be transported to the cell in preparation for installation into the C-Mod vessel. Wiring on the Coupler Protection System (CPS) chassis was completed. Diagnostics ----------- Repair and testing of the GPC dewar assembly was completed, and installation in the housing is imminent. Machine work on the K-port periscope is complete. Rework of the HIREX Support Stand to accommodate new diagnostics and gas lines at B-port was completed. Commissioning and testing of the new polarimeter laser and Bragg cell was carried out. Delivery of the polarimeter window was delayed due to a vendor error, and is now expected this week. BES alignment and calibration were done by Ron Bravenec, UT-FRC. The BES fibers were backlighted and the images observed in-vessel to check optical alignment of the new fiber array and optical alignment of the new fibers that were installed in the original BES array. The alignment was as expected and acceptable. Two damaged fibers were identified, and the repairs can be done after pump down. The fibers and spectrometer were intensity calibrated using a calibrated source located in-vessel in the object plane of the optics. _______________________________________________ Cmod_weekly mailing list Cmod_weekly@lists.psfc.mit.edu http://lists.psfc.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/cmod_weekly