MDSplus remote collaboration support-internet and world wide web

The consolidation of fusion research into fewer major experiments has motivated the fusion community to study methods of improving the efficiency in which these experiments produce scientific results. One mechanism for increasing the scientific output of these facilities is through remote collaboration. To make the best use of existing facilities, scientists must be able to participate in the day to day operation of these facilities from anywhere in the world as easily and effectively as if they were present in the control room of the experiment. It is not sufficient to just make the scientific measurements available to more scientists. Remote collaborators must be able to provide input and communicate closely with all members of the experimental team. The rapid improvements in network technology are beginning to make this goal achievable. The increase in network bandwidth along with platform-independent web based software technologies such as Java, are providing the infrastructure for truly networked fusion research. This paper will discuss some of the networked applications developed or employed at MlTs plasma science and fusion center to improve the research environment for remote collaborators who work as part of the alcator c-mod experimental team. (orig.)