Concepts of magnetic filter fields in powerful negative ion sources for fusion

The performance of large negative ion sources used in neutral beam injection systems is in long pulses mainly determined by the increase of the currents of co-extracted electrons. This is in particular a problem in deuterium and limits the ion currents which are for long pulses below the requirements for the ITER source. In the source of the ELISE test facility, the magnetic field in front of the first grid, which is essential to reduce the electron current, is generated by a current of several kA flowing through the plasma facing grid. Weakening of this field by the addition of permanent magnets placed close to the lateral walls has led to a reduction of the electron current by a factor three without loss of ion current when source was operated in volume production. If this effect can be validated for the cesiated source, it would be a large step towards achieving the ITER parameter in long pulses.