Real-time remote access to TFTR experimental data

Abstract

Reflecting the increasingly national character of magnetic fusion experiments, the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) now supports off-site real-time collaboration in the experimental program. Two types of remote access are supported. Observers can obtain up-to-date information on the purpose and progress of the day's experiment and instantaneous display of analyzed data after each machine pulse. In addition,, collaborators can exercise control over specific diagnostic apparatus. This paper discusses how various aspects of the system work and some of the problems that were encountered in developing the system.