This has been possible because of active support of Department of Atomic Energy, India and the participation in International Thermo-nuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project. Furthermore, this institute has made considerable contributions to the fundamental plasma sciences and the application of plasma technologies to the industries. During the past one year, in Aditya, ample efforts were continued to expand the operational window for experiments. Some of these experiments were specifically aimed at understanding the plasma breakdown in the Superconducting Steady-state Tokamak (SST-1). Pre-ionization experiments with different kinds of Radio-frequency schemes were done. While the Ion-Cyclotron Resonance (ICR)scheme has been demonstrated successfully, experiments with Electron- Cyclotron Resonance and Lower Hybrid (LH) frequency schemes are being continued. The necessary equipments and subsytems for wall conditioning with boronization are mostly ready and the experiments will be started in a short while. The diamagnetic energy of the Aditya plasma has been measured to be in the range kilo-joules during the current flat top regime and scales linearly with the net input power. Infrared Thermography of limiter tiles have shown higher surface temperatures for silicon carbide tiles compared to graphite tiles. The assembly of the refurbished SST-1 has begun as scheduled from June 2010 and has been progressing well. With modified and validated ultra low direct current (DC) joint resistances all the sixteen toroidal field (TF) magnets have been successfully tested in cold with supercritical helium and with full design value of current. These tests have also validated the extended period of operation of power supplies with required currents. The maintenance of the helium cryogenic system was undertaken and has been completed this year. The vessel modules have been fully tested in a special hot nitrogen baking facility and hence this baking facility has also been validated for use in SST-1. Since the machine is getting assembled, the diagnostic systems are being readied and tested. ICR heating system is also being tested to operate in the first phase of SST-1 operation. The LH current drive system is being upgraded and the Neutral beam injector is being tested in the test-stand for improved ion currents. Other technological developments under the eleventh five year plan are progressing well. Material development, process development, facilities creation along with man power development are being pursued in these programmes through collaboration with various national and international institutions.
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