Two RF Driver-Based Negative Ion Source Experiment

Multidriver-based radio-frequency (RF) ion sources have emerged as the most promising option for producing the plasma in large ion sources required for fusion applications. In India, under domestic long-term fusion program, a negative ion source development program has been initiated. A 100-kW inductively coupled single RF driver-based negative ion source (ROBIN) has been installed and it is operational at the Institute for Plasma Research. The next step is to move to a multidriver source and address to several issues related to configuration and operation. A two-driver-based twin source has been configured for this purpose. The experimental plan is divided into two phases: 1) plasma operation phase and beam extraction and 2) acceleration phase. A vacuum chamber has been specially designed to accommodate these phases of operations. The data acquisition and control system (DACS) of the experimental system is designed based on International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor-COntrol Data Access and Communication (ITER-CODAC) guidelines. Probe and spectroscopy diagnostics constitute the principal diagnostics. This paper presents the experimental system with emphasis on the aspects of mechanical, electrical, and DACS integration.