Antenna system analysis and design for automatic detection and real-time tracking of electron Bernstein waves in FTU

The algorithm for the automatic control of the new front steering antenna of the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade device has been improved, in view of forthcoming experiments aimed at testing the mode conversion of electron cyclotron waves at a frequency of 140 GHz. The existing antenna system has been prepared to provide two-point real-time measurements of electron Bernstein waves and to allow real-time tracking of the optimal conversion region. This required an accurate analysis of the antenna to minimize the risk of a mechanical damage of the movable launching mirrors, when accessing the high toroidal launching angles needed for this kind of experiment. A detailed description is presented of the work carried out to safely reach and validate the desired range of steering angles, which include the region of interest, and a technique is proposed to track and chase the correct line of sight for electron Bernstein waves detection during the shot.