The MTX explored the plasma heating effects of 140 GHz microwaves from both Gyrotrons and from the IMP FEL wiggler. The Gyrotron was long pulse length (0.5 seconds maximum) and the FEL produced short-pulse length, high-peak power, single and burst modes of 140 GHZ microwaves. Full-power operations of the IMP FEL wiggler were commenced in April of 1992 and continued into October of 1992. The Experimental Test Accelerator H (ETA-II) provided a 50-nanosecond, 6-MeV, 2--3 kAmp electron beam that was introduced co-linear into the IMP FEL with a 140 GHz Gyrotron master oscillator (MO). The FEL was able to amplify the MO signal from approximately 7 kW to peaks consistently in the range of 1--2 GW. This microwave pulse was transmitted into the MTX and allowed the exploration of the linear and non-linear effects of short pulse, intense power in the MTX plasma. Single pulses were used to explore and gain operating experience in the parameter space of the IMP FEL, and finally evaluate transmission and absorption in the MTX. Single-pulse operations were repeatable. After the MTX was shut down burst-mode operations were successful at 2 kHz. This paper will describe the IMP FEL, Microwave Transmission System to MTX, the …

This paper presents an idea for a magnet system that could be used to advantage in tokamaks and other fusion engineering devices. Higher performance designs, specifically newer tokamaks such as those for the international Tokamak Engineering Reactor (ITER) and Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) use Cable in Conduit Conductor (CICC) forced flow coils to advantage to meet field and current density requirements. Pool boiling magnets lack structural integrity to resist high magnetic forces since helium cooling areas must surround each conductor. A second problem is that any leak can threaten the voltage standoff integrity of the magnet system. This is because a leak can result in low-pressure helium gas becoming trapped by limited conductance in the magnet bundle and low-pressure helium has poor dielectric strength. The system proposed here is basically a CICC system, with it`s inherent advantages, but bathed in higher pressure supercritical helium to eliminate the leak and voltage break-down problems. Schemes to simplify helium coolant plumbing with the proposed system are discussed. A brief historical review of related magnet systems is included. The advantages and disadvantages of using higher pressure, supercritical helium in combination with solid electrical insulation in a CICC system are discussed. Related electrical data from …

Optical communication is likely to significantly speed up parallel computation because the vast bandwidth of the optical medium can be divided to produce communication networks of very high degree. However, the problem of contention in high-degree networks makes the routing problem in these networks theoretically (and practically) difficult. In this paper we examine Valiant`s h-relation routing problem, which is a fundamental problem in the theory of parallel computing. The h-relation routing problem arises both in the direct implementation of specific parallel algorithms on distributed-memory machines and in the general simulation of shared memory models such as the PRAM on distributed-memory machines. In an h-relation routing problem each processor has up to h messages that it wishes to send to other processors and each processor is the destination of at most h messages. We present a lower bound for routing an h-relation (for any h > 1) on a complete optical network of size -n. Our lower bound applies to any randomized distributed algorithm for this task. Specifically, we show that the expected number of communication steps required to route an arbitrary h-relation is {Omega}(h + {radical}log log n). This is the first known lower bound for this problem which does …

The conference began with an introductory lecture by Bunakov. It is very appropriate that this workshop be held in Dubna as Bunakov reminded us that the experiments that motivated the current interest in the study of symmetry violation with neutrons were started here at Dubna by Alfimenkov, Pikelner, and collaborators. Bunakov discussed the fact that is the complexity of the compound nucleus that leads to large enhancement of parity violation near P-resonances and to the possibility of using statistical models to relate the measured parity violation to more-fundamental quantities. He also pointed out that it is a rare case in which complexity aids us. Bunakov did not point out that this is an example of another rare phenomena -- where theory has predicted correctly in advance the parity violating effects seen near p-resonances. As long ago as 1969, Karmanov and Lobov first predicted an enhancement of {gamma}-ray circular polarization near p-resonances. Sushkov and Flambaum later predicted asymmetries P {approximately} 10{sup {minus}2} for p-resonances and suggested {sup 117}Sn, {sup 139}La, {sup 232}Th, and {sup 238}U for study. Bunakov and Gudkov developed a theory describing the energy dependence of parity-violating effects over a large energy range. This theory predicted random signs for …

X-ray diffractometric determination of atomic structures in ordered bulk systems is highly automated and has wide application. By contrast, surface crystallography, whether based on photon or electron scattering, is still in a relatively early stage of development. A summary is given of recent selected highlights in efforts to make progress toward surface photoelectron diffractometry and holography by our Berkeley-Penn State group. It is concluded that an automated photoelectron diffractometer is practical and desirable.

Volume Visualization is becoming an important tool for understanding large 3D datasets. A popular technique for volume rendering is known as splatting. With new hardware architectures offering substantial improvements in the performance of rendering texture mapped objects, we present textured splats. An ideal reconstruction function for 3D signals is developed which can be used as a texture map for a splat. Extensions to the basic splatting technique are then developed to additionally represent vector fields.

Flow volumes are the volumetric equivalent of stream lines. They provide more information about the vector field being visualized than do stream lines or ribbons. Presented is an efficient method for producing flow volumes, composed of transparently rendered tetrahedra, for use in an interactive system. The problems of rendering, subdivision, sorting, rendering artifacts, and user interaction are dealt with.

The Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) will have a poloidal field system capable of full inductive operation poloidal for approximately a 20-s flattop and, with superconducting toroidal and poloidal field coils and non-inductive current drive, it will be capable of true steady-state operation. The poloidal field design is based on the ideal MHD equilibrium model as implemented in the TEQ code developed at LLNL. The PF coils are arranged in an up-down symmetric configuration, external to the TF coils. The TPX diverted plasma will have an aspect ratio of 4.5 and is highly shaped with a nominal elongation of 2 and triangularity of approximately 0.8 as measured at the separatrix. The tokamak design is based on a high-current (q{sub {psi}}=3) plasma scenario and a low current scenario. Each scenario has an operational flexibility requirement which is defined as a region of plasma pressure and inductivity ({beta}{sub N} {minus} l{sub i}) space, where the plasma shape is constrained to keep the divertor configuration operational. Single-null plasma configurations are feasible, even with the same divertor hardware, by operating the PF coils asymmetrically. Recently applied optimization techniques have improved the capability of the PF system without additional cost.

Designers, implementers, and marketers of data analysis tools typically have different perspectives than users. Consequently, data analysis often find themselves using tools focused on graphics and programming concepts rather than concepts which reflect their own domain and the context of their work. Some user studies focus on usability tests late in development; others observe work activity, but fail to show how to apply that knowledge in design. This paper describes a methodology for applying observations of data analysis work activity in prototype tool design. The approach can be used both in designing improved data analysis tools, and customizing visualization environments to specific applications. We present an example of user-centered design for a prototype tool to cull large data sets. We revisit the typical graphical approach of animating a large data set from the point of view of an analysis who is culling data. Field evaluations using the prototype tool not only revealed valuable usability information, but initiated in-depth discussions about user`s work, tools, technology, and requirements.

Models that address the impacts to forests of climate change are reviewed by four levels of biological organization: global, regional or landscape, community, and tree. The models are compared as to their ability to assess changes in greenhouse gas flux, land use, maps of forest type or species composition, forest resource productivity, forest health, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat. No one model can address all of these impacts, but landscape transition models and regional vegetation and land-use models consider the largest number of impacts. Developing landscape vegetation dynamics models of functional groups is suggested as a means to integrate the theory of both landscape ecology and individual tree responses to climate change. Risk assessment methodologies can be adapted to deal with the impacts of climate change at various spatial and temporal scales. Four areas of research development are identified: (1) linking socioeconomic and ecologic models, (2) interfacing forest models at different scales, (3) obtaining data on susceptibility of trees and forest to changes in climate and disturbance regimes, and (4) relating information from different scales.

A unique feature of the magnet system for the Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) is that all the magnets are superconducting. With the exception of the outer poloidal coils, the magnet system uses Nb{sub 3}Sn cable-in-conduit conductor; the outer poloidal coils use Nb-Ti cable-in-conduit conductor. A Research and Development program is needed to ensure that the materials, processes, and systems are available to support the fabrication and operation of these magnets. The authors describe their plans for R&D in the areas of: conductor strand and sheath development, insulation materials and configuration, conductor forming, curing, and impregnation techniques, and quench detection methods and techniques. Since a significant portion of the TPX magnet system design and fabrication will be done in industry, a division of the magnet R&D effort between industry and the National Laboratories is proposed. A close liaison is maintained with the ITER magnet R&D program, and TPX will make use of ITER results whenever possible.

The design of the Local Instrumentation & Control (I&C) System for the Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) superconducting PF & TF magnets is presented. The local I&C system monitors the status of the magnet systems and initiates the proper control sequences to protect the magnets from any foreseeable fault. Local I&C also stores magnet-system data for analysis and archiving. Quench Detection for the TPX magnets must use a minimum of two independent sensing methods and is allowed a detection time of one second. Proposed detection methods include the measurement of; (1) normal-zone resistive voltage, (2) cooling-path helium flow, (3) local temperature in the winding pack, (4) local pressure in the winding pack. Fiber-optic based isolation systems are used to remove high common-mode magnet voltages and eliminate ground loops. The data acquisition and fault-detection systems are computer based. The design of the local I&C system incorporates redundant, fault-tolerant, and/or fail-safe features at all component levels. As part of a quench detection R&D plan, a Quench Detection Model Coil has been proposed to test all detection methods. Initial cost estimates and schedule for the local I&C system are presented.

The assembly of photonics devices such as laser diodes, optical modulators, and opto-electronics multi-chip modules (OEMCM), usually requires the placement of micron size devices such as laser diodes, and sub-micron precision attachment between optical fibers and diodes or waveguide modulators (usually referred to as pigtailing). This is a very labor intensive process. Studies done by the opto-electronics (OE) industry have shown that 95% of the cost of a pigtailed photonic device is due to the use of manual alignment and bonding techniques, which is the current practice in industry. At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, we are working to reduce the cost of packaging OE devices through the use of automation. Our efforts are concentrated on several areas that are directly related to an automated process. This paper will focus on our progress in two of those areas, in particular, an automated fiber pigtailing machine and silicon micro-bench technology compatible with an automated process.

Current sharing phenomena were studied during the testing of ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) prototype sample conductors in the FENIX (Fusion Engineering International Experiments) test facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. During steady-state operation in the current sharing region, voltage drops of up to 200 {mu}V were measured across the conductor. These experimental results were studied in detail using computer program CICC. Differences between the computer predictions and experimental results are postulated to be due to inter-strand cross-currents.

The Tokamak Physics Experiment concept design uses superconducting coils made from cable-in-conduit conductor to accomplish both magnetic confinement and plasma initiation. The Poloidal Field (PF) magnet system is divided into two subsystems, the central solenoid and the outer ring coils, the latter is focus of this paper. The eddy current heating from the pulsed operation is excessive for a case type construction; therefore, a ``no case`` design has been chosen. This ``no case`` design uses the conductor conduit as the primary structure and the electrical insulation (fiberglass/epoxy wrap) as a structural adhesive. The model integrates electromagnetic analysis and structural analysis into the finite element code ANSYS to solve the problem. PF coil design is assessed by considering a variety of coil current wave forms, corresponding to various operating modes and conditions. The structural analysis shows that the outer ring coils are within the requirements of the fatigue life and fatigue crack growth requirements. The forces produced by the Toroidal Field coils on the PF coils have little effect on the maximum stresses in the PF coils. In addition in an effort to reduce the cost of the coils new elongated PF coils design was proposed which changes the aspect ratio …

The TPX (Tokamak Physics Experiment) will be the first tokamak to employ both superconducting TF (toroidal field) and PF (poloidal field) magnets. Consequently, the entire device is located within an evacuated cryostat to provide the necessary thermal barrier between the ambient temperature test cell and the magnets that are cooled by supercritical liquid helium at 5{degrees}K. This paper describes the cryostat design requirements, design concepts, and the cryostat fabrication and installation.

A plasma thruster operating at high specific impulse ({ge} 3500 s) has been proposed to be based on electron-cyclotron resonance heating of whistler waves propagating on a plasma column on a magnetic hill. Calculations using a particle-in-cell code demonstrate that the distortion of the electron velocity distribution by the heating significantly reduces the flow of plasma up the field, greatly improving efficiency and reducing material interactions relative to a thermal plasma. These and other calculations are presented together with initial experiments on the plasma generated in the proposed device. The experiments are conducted in a magnetic field (3.3 {times} 10{sup {minus}2} T at resonance) and a magnetic mirror ratio of 5. Microwaves (0.915 GHz, <20 kW) are coupled to the plasma with a helical antenna. Vacuum field measurements are in good agreement with prediction. The desired plasma spatial distribution has not yet been achieved.

MGA is a gamma-ray spectrum analysis program for determining relative plutonium isotopic abundances. The isotopic composition of a plutonium sample is needed to calculate {sup 240}Pu{sub eff} that is used to interpret passive neutron coincidence measurements in units of absolute plutonium mass. MGA can determine plutonium isotopic abundances with accuracies better than 1% using a high-resolution, low-energy, planar germanium detector and measurement times ten minutes or less. MGA can include analysis of a second spectrum of the high-energy (300--600 keV) plutonium gamma rays that significantly improves the determination of {sup 240}P{sub eff} in high-burnup plutonium. For the high-energy gamma-ray measurements we have devised a new hardware configuration, so that both the low- and high-energy gamma-ray detectors are mounted in a single cryostat thereby reducing weight and volume of the detector systems. We describe the detector configuration and our experience with it using a combined neutron-gamma measurement system and the two-detector version of MGA. We discuss the sources of uncertainty in the determination of {sup 240}Pu{sub eff} and propose a new correlation for the determination of {sup 242}Pu.