Alcator C-Mod Weekly Highlights
                  September 12, 2011


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


Operations
----------

Work in-vessel last week focused on measurements needed to specify
modifications to the ARRA funded rotated 4-strap antenna.  In addition,
work needed to remove a diamagnetic loop shield, and to relocate several
Bp coils proceeded. Studs have been installed for the new Correlation
Electron Cyclotron Emission and AXUV bolometer array diagnostics.


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

A meeting was held at MIT with the vendor chosen to modify the rotated
antenna back plates.  Fixturing required to hold the antenna plates
during machining, the modifications required, and the schedule were
discussed. Following the meeting, the vendor's representatives took the
plates back to their facility, and have begun fabrication of the
machining fixtures.  We have done a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
survey of the plates both individually and bolted together as they will
be during operation.  These data, together with CMM data of the outer
wall shape are being used to specify the modifications to the plates.
Because of these modifications, two Bp coils have to be moved
toroidally, and a third will also be added at the new toroidal location.


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

A meeting was held at MIT with our vendor for the Transmitter Protection
System (TPS) control boards.  A schedule for delivery of the remaining
boards was confirmed.  Details of the Ethernet interface were discussed.
Maximum, minimum, and default values for user-defined TPS parameters
were determined.

AC power line distribution between the LH equipment racks and carts was
completed last week. Fiber-optic cable lengths for the new filament
power supplies were determined.  Eighteen circulator arc detector boxes
have been modified for the new TPS and tested.


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

Sine/Cosine boards for the new Fast Two-Color-Interferometer (FTCI)
system are being tested and calibrated.  Modifications are being made to
the TCI instrumentation rack in the C-Mod cell for installation of the
boards and the associated data acquisition equipment.  FTCI, with a
bandwidth of several MHz, will be used primarily to study density
fluctuations.  All ten TCI chords will be monitored, and the system can
be run either with a common local oscillator, or in a differential mode
that measures phase differences between chords.

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