Maturing ECRF technology for plasma control

Abstract

The availability of high power (∼1 MW), long pulse length (effectively cw), high frequency (>100 GHz) gyrotrons has created the opportunity for enhanced scientific results on magnetic confinement devices for fusion research worldwide. This has led to successful experiments on electron cyclotron heating, electron cyclotron current drive, non-inductive tokamak operation, tokamak energy transport, suppression of instabilities and advanced profile control leading to enhanced performance. The key development in the gyrotron community that has led to the realization of high power long pulse gyrotrons is the availability of edge cooled synthetic diamond gyrotron output windows, which have low loss and excellent thermal and mechanical properties. In addition to the emergence of reliable high power gyrotrons, ancillary equipment for efficient microwave transmission over distances of hundreds of metres, polarization control, diagnostics, and flexible launch geometry have all been developed and proved in regular service.