Alcator C-Mod Weekly Highlights
               February 23, 2009


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



Operations
----------

All TF vertical legs have been installed and positioned.  We are
preparing vertical port boots and upper TF cooling lines for
installation.  Preparations are also being made to seal and insulate the
LN2 sump cooling lines.

Our vendor has successfully completed removal of a ring sample from the
turbine end of our alternator rotor core.  This sample will undergo a
testing program similar to that of the collector end sample, including
UT, X-Ray, magnetic particle, SEM, and tensile and fracture toughness
tests.


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

We continued fabrication of the 2nd lower hybrid launcher.  More plates
needed for the 4-way splitter are in-house and being prepared for copper
plating.  Work on the transmission line and components needed to couple
power to the launcher continued.


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

The design of the rf master fault processor upgrade is complete and
ready for review.  We continued work on the intermediate power amplifier
IPA upgrade for FMIT#3. The control system upgrades for this new system
are almost complete.


Diagnostics
-----------

The new rf shielded box for the FRCECE Upgrade has been completed by
Perry Phillips, UT-FRC.  It is being shipped to MIT along with new rf
components.

Igor Bespamyatnov, Ken Liao, and Bill Rowan, all UT-FRC, continued
development of the BES Diagnostic.  A major task now being worked on is
selection of a spectrometer. Simulations of the beam emission spectra
were completed for one channel of the toroidal optical system. The
simulation included the aperture broadening and spectrometer instrument
function. The optical viewing channels with the best spatial resolution
for CXRS are those that are nearly perpendicular to the beam. These
channels will require higher spectral resolution for the BES
spectrometer. Other channels require lower spectral resolution for the
BES spectrometer. It is likely that the spectrometer cost will be
optimized by purchasing more than one spectrometer so that high spectral
resolution will be used for only those channels where it is actually
needed.


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

Mark Smith, PPPL, visited the PSFC last week for a test-fit of a
prototype thermal shield for the MSE diagnostic.  Several interference
issues were resolved.  An order has been placed for procurement of three
high-performance dielectric mirrors which are designed to reduce the
spurious variability in measured polarization angle by a factor 2-4.
Delivery is expected in time for use during the upcoming run campaign.

Craig Priniski, PPPL, also visited the PSFC last week for comprehensive
metrology of the C-Mod vacuum vessel and coil set.

John Rice attended the DIII-D PAC meeting in San Diega from 2/10 to
2/12.
 
Julien Hillairet, Association EURATOM-CEA, is visiting for several
weeks, and will work with members of the lower hybrid group on the
modelling of lower hybrid antennas using the ALOHA code.

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