Plasma Source for a Diagnostic Neutral Beam

Large neutral beams for heating plasmas have played an important role in plasma diagnostics, advancing our understanding of plasma physics in the development of fusion energy. A compact diagnostic neutral beam source for small-to-medium-scale experiments is needed to provide the same advanced level of diagnostics and insight into the underlying physics. This project will design and test a modest size radio frequency (RF) plasma source for a diagnostic neutral beam. In Phase I, a proof-of-principle experiment was conducted to estimate the size and RF power requirements for the neutral beam source. A conceptual design of the source and accelerator column was made, based on the results from the initial tests and on simulations. Power supply and vacuum system specifications were identified. Based on the Phase I results, the RF source, accelerator, and vacuum system for the beam will be designed and fabricated during Phase II. After the RF source iscompleted and tested, it will be installed on an accelerator for an evaluation of the extracted beam. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should find a market among the many groups in the U.S. and other countries that use neutral beams for diagnostics. For commercial applications, an RF plasma source would have application to plasma processing.