Development of a negative ion-based neutral beam injector in Novosibirsk

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Fusion
• Plasma Physics
• Particle Accelerators

Background:

• Development of high-power neutral beam injectors is crucial for sustained fusion reactions.
• Existing injectors face challenges in energy efficiency and operational duration.
• Negative ion-based injectors offer potential advantages for future fusion devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a novel 1000 keV, 5 MW, 1000 s negative ion neutral beam injector.
• To design an injector with high energy efficiency (up to 80%) through innovative features.
• To establish a test stand for validating beam acceleration and ion source performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a spatially separated ion source and electrostatic accelerator design.
• Employing plasma or photon neutralizers for efficient beam neutralization.
• Implementing energy recuperation systems for remaining ion species.

Main Results:

• A prototype negative ion beam source has been fabricated and installed.
• The prototype ion source is designed for 120 keV, 1.5 A beam production.
• A test stand for beam acceleration is currently under construction.

Conclusions:

• The developed injector design incorporates innovative features for high efficiency and long pulse operation.
• The ongoing construction of the test stand and fabrication of the prototype ion source represent significant progress.
• This research contributes to advancing neutral beam injection technology for fusion energy applications.