Analysis and experimental results of high power ion source with megawatts power for long pulse operation

Abstract

BackgroundThe high power ion source is the one of the key components of a neutral beam injection system. Long pulse operation of ion source is required for fusion sciences research, but challenges come from the easy break down when operated with long pulse and high power. [Propose] This study aims to optimize the control and operation of ion source to achieve long pulse operation.MethodsBased on the beam re-turn on technology, an ion source self-adjusting method was developed. It included the optimization of ion source control logic, power supply system and interlock system. Operation characteristic of high power ion source was analyzed, and the key parameters of ion source operation was real-time monitored to find the abnormal conditions. The high current ion source was tested with beam re-turn on from one time only to several times for long pulse operation.Results & ConclusionsThe high power ion source is tested with beam re-turn on technology and achieves 27 s beam duration with one megawatts beam power successfully. The successful application of beam re-turn on technology in this study provides support for long pulse operation of high-power ion source.

Keywords

• neutral beam injection
• high current ion source
• beam self-adjusting
• hot cathode