Realta diagnostics and digital validation efforts on the WHAM experiment.

WHAM, has been operating since July 2024 at the University of Wisconsin – Madison Physical Science Laboratory. Realta has been playing a key role in obtaining breakthrough results from WHAM as well as using our advanced modeling tools to probe important mirror physics. A number of Realta experimental scientists are contributing to the scientific effort at WHAM, from leading experimental campaigns to fielding a complex array of diagnostics. Some of the critical diagnostics operated by Realta include an AXUV array, hard X-ray detectors, flux loops, a millimeter wave interferometer, and finally a Thomson scattering system as well as a multi chord spectroscopy system implemented in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The results are analyzed through in-house algorithms. MHD activity is inferred from the AXUV array and hot electron dynamics are tracked through the hard X-ray detector time traces. The results from those diagnostics form the basis of the validation and verification efforts from the Realtwin simulation suite currently in development. The experimental results are further analyzed with the inclusion of neutrals and electron cyclotron heating modeling. This ongoing modeling, in coordination with the equilibrium reconstruction, is playing a critical role in achieving the physics goals of WHAM and validating the design tool used for the next generation of mirror machines.