Abstract
Broadband antennas operating in the gigahertz frequency range are regularly used for plasma reflectometry diagnostics. Due to a lack of space and unique diagnostic constraints, these antennas are often custom in design and frequency range. Recent advances in additive manufacturing of high temperature copper alloys allow for expanded freedom in design of these diagnostic antennas. In this work, a heuristic simulated annealing algorithm is used alongside 3-D finite element simulation to automate the design of a double ridged rectangular horn antenna for a reflectometry diagnostic on the DIII-D tokamak. Optimization of antenna performance given the design constraints results in a compact broadband (6-20+ GHz) antenna design. Measured transmission from the additively manufactured antenna matches simulation within reasonable error, and experimental plasma electron density profiles from the DIII-D high-field side scrape-off layer are shown.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 114810 |
| Journal | Fusion Engineering and Design |
| Volume | 211 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Feb 2025 |
Funding
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences, using the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, a DOE Office of Science user facility, under Award(s) DE-FC02-04ER54698, DE-AC05-00OR22725, and DE-SC0014264.
Keywords
- Additive manufacturing
- Antenna optimization
- Scrape-off layer reflectometry
- Simulated annealing