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William M. Burke, Jr.
Research Engineer
burke@psfc.mit.edu
617-257-8429
NW21-111c
Education

BSEE, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1983)

Expertise

Analog and digital electronic design; PC board design and electronic packaging.

Research

Electrical engineering to support the design and operation of magnetic fusion reactors: Magnet systems, including power supplies, cryogenics, and diagnostics. Vacuum systems and vacuum vessel temperature control. RF heating and plasma diagnostics. Reactor safety systems and interlocks.

Analog Electronics: Amplifiers, filters, data converters, sensor interfaces and signal conditioning, signal processing and feedback control.

Digital Electronics: System design with CPLD’s, FPGA’s, and microprocessors for precision timing, sequencing, and synchronization. Fiber optic communication and control links.

RF Systems: Analysis and design of RF tuning and matching networks. Amplitude, frequency, and phase control of RF amplifiers. Design of kilowatt level RF sources for MHD diagnostics.

Publications
  • W. Burke, A. Kanojia, J. Stillerman, “Real-time high-field measurements of joint resistance in the Alcator C‑Mod TF Coil,” IEEE 26th Symposium on Fusion Engineering (SOFE), 2015
  • W. Burke, T. Golfinopoulos, B. LaBombard, R. Parker, W. Parkin, P. Woskov, “The Shoelace Antenna: a device for inductively coupling to low frequency, short wavelength fluctuations in the plasma boundary,” IEEE 26th Symposium on Fusion Engineering (SOFE), 2015
  • R. Tesfaye, W. M. Burke, G. L. Dekow, T. L. Toland, “Upgrades to the Alcator C‑Mod Gas System,” IEEE 25th Symposium on Fusion Engineering (SOFE), 2013
  • J. Stillerman, W. Burke, B. Labombard, “An optical timing verification system for Alcator C‑Mod,” Fusion Engineering Design, Vol 85, 2010
  • W. Burke, W. Cochran, J Sears, J. Snipes, S. Wolfe, X. Zhong, “Real Time Control of the Active MHD Diagnostic on Alcator C Mod,” IEEE 21st Symposium on Fusion Engineering (SOFE), 2005
  • W. Burke, “Serial fiber optic links for the lower hybrid current drive control system on Alcator C‑Mod,” IEEE 20th Symposium on Fusion Engineering (SOFE), 2003
  • W. Burke, E. Byrne, “A reliable temperature control system for the Alcator C‑Mod vacuum vessel,” IEEE 15th Symposium on Fusion Engineering (SOFE), 1993
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