To improve MFTF-B, one must raise the ion energy and the electrostatic confining potential. This requires higher beam energy (200 keV in this case) and, to preserve end-plug adiabaticity and hold higher plasma density in the central cell, a higher level of magnetic field. In the MFTF Upgrade we also want to incorporate the new end plug configuration first invented for the MARS reactor. This new magnet design is compared with the present MFTF-B magnet set. The differences include the addition of a pair of recircularizing coils on the ends to be used in conjunction with the end region pumping and direct converter schemes, the use of a yin-yang pair rather than a baseball-type coil in the transition, and the elimination of the axicell in favor of the simple choke coil. Also, as noted earlier, an axisymmetric mirror cell is imbedded in the central cell.

The use of nonsymplectic procedures in particle tracing codes for relativistic electrons leads to errors that can be reduced only at the expense of using very small integration steps. More accurate results are obtained with symplectic transformations for position and momentum. A first-order symplectic integration procedure requires an iterative calculation of the new position coordinates using the old momenta, but the process usually converges in three or four steps. A first-order symplectic algorithm has been coded for cylindrical as well as Cartesian coordinates using the relativistic equations of motion with Hamiltonian variables. The procedure is applied to the steering of a beam of 80-keV electrons by a weak transverse magnetic field superposed on a strong magnetic field in the axial direction. The steering motion is shown to be parallel to the transverse field rather than perpendicular as would be the case without the strong axial field.

Progress in the demonstration of the feasibility of hybrid staging in geothermal energy conversion is described, particularly processes involving the Lysholm engine. The performance limitations of the Lysholm engine were studied. (MHR)

A data-driven subroutine package, written for our accelerator test stand (ATS), is described. This flexible package permits the rapid writing and modifying of data acquisition, control, and analysis programs for the many diverse experiments performed on the ATS. These structurally simple and easy to maintain routines help to control administratively the integrity of the ATS through the use of the database. Our operating experience indicates that the original design goals have been met. We describe the subroutines, database, and our experiences with this system.

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After extensive upgrading, our radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linac is again installed on the accelerator test stand (ATS). The measured parameters of the RFQ, such as the output transverse emittance, transmitted beam, average energy, and energy spread is presented.

Present experiments on TMX-U and modeling of MFTF-B indicate that plasma-surface interactions can be controlled in MFTF-B. The MFTF-B configuration uses a hot electron population created by ECRH and a sloshing-ion population created by neutral beams in the thermal barrier region to create a potential that confines the central cell ions. Neutral beams and ICRH are used to heat the central cell ions. Plasma-surface interactions can be minimized at radial surfaces by control of the axial confinement of the edge plasma. The thermal barrier configuration is sensitive to the background neutral density, and requires low wall reflux and efficient shielding by the edge plasma. Glow discharge cleaning, titanium gettering, and control of the gas from neutral beams will be used to provide wall conditioning and to reduce the background gas pressure. The shielding efficiency of the plasma edge has been modeled in MFTF-B by comparing computer codes with current experimental measurements. In addition, it is very important to reduce high-energy neutral-beam-injected impurities; this is accomplished by using gettering or magnetic separation in the injector systems. Plasma-edge scrapers, diverter-like devices, and direct-conversion equipment will be located in the end region. Major disruptions are not anticipated. Finally, MFTF-B will also test some …