Newsgroups: sci.physics.plasma
From IRBY@CMOD2.PFC.MIT.EDU Tue Jul 16 20:47:08 1996
From: IRBY@CMOD2.PFC.MIT.EDU
Organization: MIT
Subject: Alcator C-MOD Weekly Highlights

Alcator C-MOD Weekly Highlights
July 16, 1996



C-MOD was pumped down today, after several months of invessel
work. During the last week the cryopump, edge Thomson scattering,
glow discharge electrodes, tangential interferometer mirror and
retro-reflector, divertor gas puff system, Torvac, and RF probe installations
were completed. A neutron calibration was also done before pumpdown.
In addition, the vessel heater and nitrogen purge systems have
been checked out and are now operational. The machine cryostat and
magnets must be purged with nitrogen gas for several days before liquid
nitrogen can be used for cooldown. We are now preparing for
leak checks, edge Thomson scattering calibrations, bake, and ECDC discharge
cleaning. Power systems are also being brought back on line.
GE arrived last week to diagnose and fix the problem with the
alternator alignment. One of the oil bearings at the exciter end of the
alternator was found to be misaligned and slightly worn. It has been
refurbished on-site and reinstalled. The remaining alternator and flywheel
bearings are in excellent condition. GE is now reassembling the alternator
with an end-of-week target date for completion.
RF work last week consisted primarily of continuing the installation
of the two new coax runs from the new transmitters to the cell. The runs
are now complete except for installation of some of the hardware linking
the 20 foot long coax sections.
University of Texas FRC scientists and students are assisting in
the development of the C-Mod Phase Contrast Imaging System for investigating
ICRF waves and possibly plasma turbulence. Construction of the first
phase plate began at the FRC this week. Analysis was also begun of the
C-MOD optical configuration to estimate expected image quality, wavenumber
resolution and range and sensitivity.