Design of a new X-mode edge reflectometer for Alcator C-mod

POSTER

Abstract

The study of antenna-plasma interactions during RF heating and current drive often requires high temporal and spatial resolution density profiles of the SOL in front of the ICRF antenna. A new swept-frequency X-mode reflectometer is being built for Alcator C-mod to measure the edge density profiles in front of the future E port antenna. Due to the presence of strong ICRF heating and large density fluctuations, density profile measurements are difficult. This reflectometer is thus designed to use both differential-phase and full-phase reflectometry techniques to allow for the best results to be obtained.~~ The system is planned to operate between 100 and 145 GHz at sweep rates from 10 $\mu $s to 1 ms and will cover a density range of approximately 10$^{16}$ to 10$^{20}$ cm$^{-3}$ at 5-5.4 T. Design of this new reflectometer and initial results from modeling and testing will be presented.

Authors

  • Cornwall Lau

    MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center

  • Greg Hanson

    Oak Ridge National Laboratory

  • John Wilgen

    ORNL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

  • Y. Lin

    MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center, MIT PSFC

  • Stephen Wukitch

    MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center, MIT PSFC