The data acquisition and control system for Thomson scattering on ATF

The two-dimensional Thomson scattering system that measures electron temperatures and densities in the Advanced Toroidal Facility (ATF) is interfaced to a VAX 8700 computer system running in a clustered configuration. Calibration, alignment, and operation of this diagnostic are under computer control. Extensive CAMAC instrumentation is used for timing control, data acquisition, and laser alignment. The authors discuss the computer hardware and software, system operations, and data storage and retrieval. By using a synchronization and monitoring system, better synchronization with ATF operations and a more accurate timing system have been obtained. Data storage and retrieval using the data management system software are more efficient. Enhancements to the user interface have provided the experimenters with more flexibility and better error detection.<
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