Optimization of the collective Thomson scattering diagnostic for the GDT open magnetic trap.

The collective Thomson scattering of high-power millimeter-wave radiation on plasma density fluctuations (CTS) is widely used for diagnosing the velocity distribution function of energetic ions in fusion plasma. In this paper, we discuss a non-standard scheme of CTS measurements, which exploits strong refraction of probing and scattered microwave beams when reflecting from the cut-off layer in dense plasma. The scheme may be realized with the existing CTS diagnostic system at the Gas-Dynamic Trap (GDT) facility, a large open magnetic trap operating at Budker Institute (Novosibirsk, Russia).

Progress in Mirror-Based Fusion Neutron Source Development.

The Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics in worldwide collaboration has developed a project of a 14 MeV neutron source for fusion material studies and other applications. The projected neutron source of the plasma type is based on the gas dynamic trap (GDT), which is a special magnetic mirror system for plasma confinement. Essential progress in plasma parameters has been achieved in recent experiments at the GDT facility in the Budker Institute, which is a hydrogen (deuterium) prototype of the source.

Threefold Increase of the Bulk Electron Temperature of Plasma Discharges in a Magnetic Mirror Device.

This Letter describes plasma discharges with a high temperature of bulk electrons in the axially symmetric high-mirror-ratio (R=35) open magnetic system gas dynamic trap (GDT) in the Budker Institute (Novosibirsk). According to Thomson scattering measurements, the on-axis electron temperature averaged over a number of sequential shots is 660±50  eV with the plasma density being 0.7×10^{19}  m^{-3}; in few shots, electron temperature exceeds 900 eV.

First results from the modular multi-channel dispersion interferometer at the TEXTOR tokamak.

At the TEXTOR tokamak in Jülich, Germany, a modular dispersion interferometer was installed and operated for the first time. Equipped with four lines of sight, the line-integrated density could be measured in parallel at different major radii with a resolution of better than 3 × 10(17) m(-2). This paper will describe the setup and show the first measurement results.

Mechanical flower thinning improves the fruit quality of apples.

Background: Apple 'Golden Delicious Reinders' and 'Gala Mondial' trees were mechanically blossom-thinned with 30-77 x g (300-480 rpm rotation) and 5 or 7.5 km h(-1) vehicle speed to improve fruit quality, minimise leaf damage, reduce hand and chemical thinning and to prevent or overcome alternate bearing; adjacent untreated or manually thinned apple trees served as controls.

Results: Mechanical thinning (43 x g, 360 rpm, 5-7.