A novel approach to correlation reflectometry

The use of microwave synthesized sources improved significantly the performance of correlation reflectometry diagnostics for fusion plasmas providing broadband operation with high quality signals and fast frequency switching times. Recent new developments of those sources made at IPFN opened an all-new way to build correlation reflectometry diagnostics with improved performance and measuring capability. Some of the key features now attainable are independent probing and local oscillator signals generated by separated frequency synthesizers; very good frequency control and synchronization of both the local and the radio-frequency oscillators providing very high stability. The technological advances make it possible to further reduce the switching time between adjacent probing frequencies while keeping the ability to operate in a broad frequency range.