Microwave Tokamak Experiment (MTX) first year of operation and future plans

The Microwave Tokamak Experiment (MTX) began plasma operations in November 1988, and the main goal is the study of electron cyclotron heating (ECH) in plasma discharges. After stable ohmic operation was achieved, single-pulse FEL (free-electron laser) heating experiments began. During this phase, the FEL operated at low power levels on the way to its ultimate goal of 2 GW and 140 GHz with a 30-ns pulse length. A number of new diagnostics have been developed to measure the fast FEL pulses and the resulting plasma effects. Results showing the correlation of MTX data with MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) data, some of the operational modifications and procedures used, results to date from preliminary tokamak operations with the FEL, and near-term operational plans are presented.<>