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 language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 191-204 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Fusion Engineering and Design |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 1-2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 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.