Front-end antenna system design for the ITER low-field-side reflectometer system using GENRAY ray tracing

Area of Science:

• Fusion energy research
• Plasma physics
• Microwave engineering

Background:

• The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) requires advanced diagnostic systems.
• The low-field-side reflectometer (LFSR) system is crucial for plasma density measurements.
• Antenna design is critical for the performance of reflectometer systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and analyze a monostatic antenna array for the ITER LFSR system.
• To evaluate the plasma height accommodation capability of the proposed antenna array.
• To recommend an optimal front-end antenna configuration for the ITER LFSR.

Main Methods:

• Utilized GENRAY, a 3-D ray tracing code, for antenna coupling coefficient analysis.
• Employed modeled data for ITER plasma equilibrium and profiles (baseline and half-field).
• Performed design studies across a range of measurement locations from plasma edge to pedestal top.

Main Results:

• Detailed antenna coupling coefficient analyses were performed.
• The study evaluated the antenna array's ability to accommodate varying plasma heights.
• The analysis provided insights into the performance across different ITER plasma scenarios.

Conclusions:

• The monostatic antenna array design demonstrates promising plasma height accommodation capabilities.
• A recommended front-end antenna configuration for the ITER LFSR system has been identified.
• The findings support the development of effective diagnostic tools for fusion devices.