Alcator C-Mod Weekly Highlights
                        December 28, 2009


FY2010 weeks of research operations
   Base Target: tbd
   Base Completed: 1.7 weeks
   ARRA Target: 5 weeks
   ARRA Completed: 5.0 weeks
   Plasma Shots: 807


Operations
-----------

Alcator C-Mod is currently in a planned maintenance period dedicated
primarily to the installation of the new lower hybrid launcher.
Routine maintenance of many C-Mod systems is also planned for this
period.


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

The lower hybrid launcher has undergone multiple bake cycles, leak
checks, and a staged pressurization of the waveguides to the expected
operating pressure with nitrogen gas.  The launcher is now up-to-air and
is being prepared for the final fabrication operation during which the
plasma facing waveguides at the front of the launcher are welded
together.

We continued work in the cell on waveguide installation and calibration
of the jungle gym components.


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

We have received and placed in storage a new FMIT transmitter (FMIT#5).
Changes to the power room are being planned as we prepare for this new
installation.

Improvements to the water cooling system and routine maintenance work is
also taking place.


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

We continued to test a mock-up of a 20 meter long C-Mod polarimeter
chord.  Digital and analog demodulation techniques are being tested and
developed in collaboration with UCLA.


ARRA
----

A contract has been released under ARRA funding for the development of
Far Infrared (FIR) detectors for the Alcator C-Mod Polarimeter.  These
detectors will be considerably more sensitive and use fabrication
technology much more advanced and reliable than found in the 1970's era
detectors now being used by most of the FIR community.
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