Alcator C-Mod Weekly Highlights
               December 22, 2008

FY2009 weeks of research operations:
  Target: TBD
  Completed:  0 weeks


Operations
----------

We continued re-assembly of the machine last week.  The OH coaxes that
feed supply current to the magnets are being installed.  The EF coil
pocket cover plates have been installed.  TF arms and legs are ready for
installation.  Hi-Pots and ringing tests of the EF magnets have begun.

Work also continued on the alternator inspection.  The rotor has been
moved out of the alternator housing, and the vendor contracted to
perform the visual, ultrasonic, and eddy current measurements is on-site
and setting up equipment.


Lower Hybrid System
-------------------

We continued work on the Transmitter Protection System (TPS) upgrade.
Interface boards have been removed and checked for forward and reflected
power calibrations, and reset circuits have been verified.  These data
are being put in the TPS upgrade spreadsheet that will be used by both
MIT and by our vendor as part of their Phase II SBIR work.


ICRF Systems
------------

We continued testing and calibrations of the FMIT#4 transmitter.

A Conceptual Design Review was held via video-conference for the new
4-strap ICRF antenna. This antenna will be rotated 10 degrees so that
the straps are approximately perpendicular to the local magnetic field,
in order to improve symmetry and minimize RF sheaths, thus helping to
reduce impurity generation. The external participants were Randy Wilson
(PPPL), David Rasmussen (ORNL), Rick Goulding (ORNL), and Phil Ryan
(ORNL).  The major issues discussed were RF analysis results, thermal
loads, and disruption forces.  Feedback from the reviewers will be
collected via email over the next few weeks, and a Preliminary Design
Review is tentatively scheduled for late February.


Travel and Visits
-----------------

Miklos Porkolab attended the Annual Fusion Power Associates Meeting and
Symposium in Livermore, California, on Dec 3-4, and presented the talk
"Overview of Fusion Research at MIT".

John Rice, Matt Reinke, and Yuri Podpaly attended the 2008 ITER Imaging
Crystal Spectrometer Workshop on Tuesday, December 16 at PPPL. Matt
Reinke gave a presentation on the C-Mod experience with HiReX Sr.

Craig Priniski, PPPL, visited last Friday, and along with
representatives from the vendor, David Fisher and Kelly Fletcher, gave a
demonstration of the metrology arm they have used on NSTX.

Igor Bespamyatnov, U. Texas, was at MIT last week to discuss
modifications to the CXRS/BES hardware layout to accommodate changes to
the new BES system.

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