The folded waveguide: a high frequency rf launcher

G. R. Haste, F. W. Baity, G. C. Barber, T. S. Bigelow, M. D. Carter, W. L. Gardner, R. H. Goulding, D. J. Hoffman, P. M. Ryan, T. D. Shepard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The folded waveguide, an alternative to loop antennas for launching power in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) into plasma devices, operates as a cavity with apertures for coupling RF power to the plasma. The RF field pattern is similar to that of a loop antenna, but with a lower ratio of electric to magnetic field. Power enters from a coaxial line via a sliding contact, whose position matches impedances between the coaxial line and the folded waveguide. The folded waveguide has operated at 1 MW and promises high power density. Calculations indicate a factor of 4 increase in power handling capability over a comparable loop antenna. The possible use of the folded waveguide on several tokamaks is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)191-204
Number of pages14
JournalFusion Engineering and Design
Volume24
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1994

Funding

RF power has played an important role in fusion research by providing a power source for plasma production, heating, and even stabilization. It has been used to modify the current profile in tokamaks, and is a means for diving current non-inductively. In this respect, RF power offers a way of operating tokamaks as steady-state devices. The frequencies have extended from well below the ion cyclotron frequency to above the electron cyclotron frequency. This paper will dis- * Research sponsored by the Office of Fusion Energy. U.S. Department of Energy. under contract DE-AC05-84OR21400 with Martin Marietta Energy Systems. inc. * * Present address: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Livermore, CA, USA.

FundersFunder number
Fusion for Energy

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