Alcator C-Mod Weekly Highlights
                  August 29, 2011


FY2011 weeks of research operations
Target: 15 weeks
Completed: 14.5 weeks
Plasma Shots: 1706


Operations
----------

Fabrication of the new G-Port horizontal extension is complete, and it
has been successfully leak-checked.  The new extension allows for easier
vessel entry and exit.  Modifications to the B-Port horizontal flange
are complete, and it also has been successfully leak-checked.  The
changes to this flange provide access for the new RFQ accelerator and
associated diagnostics.


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

High voltage testing of FMIT#3 and #4 has been completed, including
crowbar wire tests. These transmitters will be ready for plasma
operation following rf testing into a dummy load.

All forty-eight 1/2 inch studs required to support the new ARRA funded
rotated antenna have been installed and pull tested to 10,000 lbs.
Installation of the antenna back plates has begun. A picture of the
plates in-vessel can be found at

http://www.psfc.mit.edu/research/alcator/photos//INVESSEL/2011/4%20strap%20antenna/DSCN7859.JPG


Lower Hybrid Systems
--------------------

All components for the new LH limiter have been prepared for
installation. The existing limiter has been removed.  Installation
in-vessel will begin soon.

The new klystron filament power supplies arrived from the vendor last
week. The components are being removed from their crates and inspected.


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

Progress on the CECE diagnostic last week included laboratory testing of
the mirrors and mirror assembly.  The flat mirror and parabolic mirror
were installed and aligned in the housing, and then the focusing
properties of the two-mirror system were measured and found to agree
with design specifications. Several different alignment procedures were
tested in preparation for the up-coming in-vessel installation. All
tests were done using a laboratory test stand with the same lasers and
target sets that will be used during installation. Based on results of
these tests, two new targets will be made to add additional constraints
to the alignment during installation.

Upgrades to the C-Mod Thomson scattering system include the replacement
of two aging 30 Hz Nd:YAG lasers with two 50 Hz units, operating at
similar levels of energy per pulse. The vendor has completed assembly
and initial testing of the two units.  QA is proceeding. The lasers are
expected to ship to MIT in mid to late September.


Remote Participation, Travel, and Visitors
------------------------------------------

Jerry Hughes traveled to Santa Clara, CA to meet with laser vendor
representatives to discuss production status and to inspect the new
lasers. While there, he received instruction from a training engineer in
the detailed maintenance and troubleshooting of the units. Subsequently
he visited LLNL to meet with X. Xu and other staff physicists to discuss
C-Mod pedestal experimental results and modeling efforts related to the
FY11 JRT, as well as plans for future collaboration.

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