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A folded waveguide coupler for ion cyclotron heating

Conference · · Fusion Technol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6832973

A new type of waveguide coupler for plasma heating in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies is described. The coupler consists of a series of interleaved metallic vanes within a rectangular enclosure analogous to a wide rectangular waveguide that has been ''folded'' several times. At the mouth of the coupler, a plate is attached which contains coupling apertures in each fold or every other fold of the waveguide, depending upon the wavenumber spectrum desired. This plate serves primarily as a wave field polarizer that converts coupler fields to the polarization of the fast magnetosonic wave within the plasma. Theoretical estimates indicate that the folded waveguide is capable of high-efficiency, multimegawatt operation into a plasma. Bench tests have verified the predicted field structure within the waveguide in preparation for high-power tests on the Radio Frequency Test Facility at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Research Organization:
McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co., Dept. E451, P.O. Box 516, St. Louis, MO 63166
OSTI ID:
6832973
Report Number(s):
CONF-860652-
Journal Information:
Fusion Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Fusion Technol.; (United States) Vol. 10:3; ISSN FUSTE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English