Alcator C-Mod Weekly Highlights
                        November 15, 2010

FY2011 weeks of research operations
   Target: 15 weeks
   Completed: 2.83 weeks
   Plasma Shots: 339

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

Last week was a maintenance week at Alcator C-Mod. No run days were scheduled.
The maintenance week was used to inspect the magnet power supplies, bus
systems, switches and breakers, and to investigate issues with the ICRF and LH
systems.

Most of the scientific staff participated in the APS Division of Plasma
Physics conference in Chicago. Copies of the C-Mod presentations are being
posted on the web at
http://www.psfc.mit.edu/research/alcator/pubs/APS/index.html

Plasma operations are planned to resume this week.


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

The source of the spurious power demand signal observed on the FMIT#2 (E-port
antenna) system has been identified. Modifications to the modulator board
circuitry aimed at eliminating the problem have been implemented.

Following successful testing of the programming, we completed preparation for
cutting of the first Inconel strap for the new rotated four-strap antenna.


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

The 2 Watt amplifier that feeds the input of klystron #10 was found to be
malfunctioning, which explains the loss of power from this tube that was
observed during operation on Nov. 5. The amplifier has been replaced, and the
klystron system will be recalibrated prior to Lower Hybrid operation this
week.

Travel and Visitors
-------------------

Bruce Lipschultz visited JET Oct 28 and Nov 1 for discussions on CXRS
diagnostics with representatives from JET and MAST. Plans for upgraded
spectroscopy diagnostics for JET were discussed. Bruce also met with
representatives of ADAS for discussions of what could become available for
low-energy CX cross-sections. In-depth discussions were also held regarding
the engineering of the JET ITER-like wall which may have applicability to the
new C-Mod divertor.  Bruce then attended the EU task force meeting on Plasma
Wall Interactions in Vienna Nov 3-5, where he gave a talk on ITPA work in the
same area and participated in discussions about the direction of the EU
program.

Dave Terry and Pat MacGibbon visited Haystack Observatory last Wednesday to
see their gyrotron installation and discuss the power systems and controls
they are using. Dave and Pat also visited a potential vendor for discussions
regarding their proposed filament power supplies to be used in our fourth
klystron cart, and for upgrades to the existing system.
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