Researchers from the Consorzio RFX in Padova, Italy, have recently published an update on the electrical design of the Diagnostic Neutral Beam Injector (DNBI) in the RFX-mod2 experiment. The team, led by Marco Barbisan and including Bruno Laterza, Luca Cinnirella, Lionello Marrelli, Federico Molon, Simone Peruzzo, and Enrico Zampiva, has been working on improving the reliability and safety of this crucial component for plasma diagnostics in fusion research.
The DNBI is a key tool for studying the Reversed Field Pinch (RFP) confinement of fusion plasmas in the RFX-mod2 experiment. By injecting a hydrogen beam into the plasma, the DNBI enables advanced diagnostic techniques such as Charge Exchange Recombination Spectroscopy (CXRS) and Motional Stark Effect (MSE) diagnostics. These techniques allow researchers to measure important plasma parameters like ion speed, ion temperature, impurity content, and the intensity and pitch of the magnetic field, particularly at the core of the plasma.
The DNBI, originally built by the Budker Institute of Plasma Physics, operates by generating a 50 keV ion beam that is neutralized through charge exchange with a gas target. Residual ions are deflected by a magnetic field before the neutral beam is injected into the torus chamber. The beam can be modulated at a maximum frequency of 250 Hz. To enhance its performance, the DNBI is undergoing extraordinary maintenance and structural upgrades.
The recent upgrades focus on the electrical plants and the control system of the DNBI. These improvements aim to increase the reliability and safety of the injector, ensuring more accurate and consistent diagnostic measurements. The updated electrical design is crucial for maintaining the precise control needed for the DNBI to function effectively in the demanding environment of fusion plasma research.
The practical applications of these upgrades extend beyond the RFX-mod2 experiment. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities can provide deeper insights into plasma behavior, which is essential for advancing fusion energy research. More reliable and accurate measurements can help in optimizing plasma confinement and stability, ultimately contributing to the development of sustainable fusion power.
The research was published in the proceedings of the 2023 IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS), highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve diagnostic tools in fusion research. These advancements are a step forward in the quest for clean and abundant energy through fusion technology.
Source: IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS) 2023
This article is based on research available at arXiv.