Results from prototype polarimeter/interferometer on Alcator C-Mod

The poloidal field and corresponding toroidal current profiles have been among the most difficult and most important measurements in tokamak fusion research. One method demonstrated to obtain information about these quantities is polarimetry, in which Faraday rotation caused by the plasma is measured. Design has begun for a 20-channel, Far-infrared polarimeter-interferometer system on Alcator C-Mod. In preparation for this experiment, a poloidally-viewing prototype polarimeter-interferometer has been constructed, installed, and tested on Alcator C-Mod. This thesis describes the design of this prototype and reports the results obtained, with emphasis on those applicable to the future polarimeter-interferometer. Specifically, experimental techniques and alignment procedures, sensitivity to vibration, and conditions affecting reflection from the inner wall are explored.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Nuclear Science and Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Smith, Kelly (Kelly Robert)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• James H. Irby and Ian H. Hutchinson.

• Nuclear Science and Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/41302

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/41302