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Multi-Channel
MMW Interferometry for Plasma Diagnostics--WaveBand Corporation,
Dr.
Vladimir Manasson, Principal Investigator, vmanasson@waveband.com
Dr.
Lev Sadovnik, Business Official, lsadovnik@waveband.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83843
Amount:
$750,000
Interferometric
measurements of plasma density distribution, needed in fusion energy research,
require an improvement in productivity. To
address this need, this project will develop a new millimeter-wave
interferometer with electronically switched multiple channels.
Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of the approach using low density
plasma. All millimeter-wave
components of the interferometer, including the millimeter-wave switches, were
designed, fabricated, and tested. Phase
II will complete the design of the interferometer including millimeter-wave and
low frequency electronics. Then, the
instrument will be fabricated and tested.
Commercial Applications and Other
Benefits
as described by awardee: The
instrument should provide compactness, versatility, and cost-effectiveness and
dramatically enhance the productivity of measurements of plasma-density
distributions. It should be
attractive for installation at plasma facilities all over the world, including
tokamaks and stellarators. The
technology also could be used in a front-end sensor for millimeter-wave imaging,
with a potential market in automobile collision avoidance and aircraft landing
instrumentation.