First operation in SPIDER and the path to complete MITICA

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Fusion Engineering
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• ITER requires high-performance neutral beam injectors for plasma heating.
• Previous attempts to meet ITER's neutral beam requirements have faced challenges.
• A dedicated Neutral Beam Test Facility (NBTF) was established at Consorzio RFX.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the status and progress of the SPIDER and MITICA experiments at the NBTF.
• To detail the operational achievements and challenges of the SPIDER ion source prototype.
• To report on the procurement, timeline, and initial voltage holding tests for the MITICA injector prototype.

Main Methods:

• Operation and characterization of the SPIDER ion source.
• Procurement and assembly of the MITICA injector components.
• Voltage holding tests and experiments on the MITICA accelerator.

Main Results:

• SPIDER successfully operated for its first year, addressing radiofrequency power and source operation issues.
• Initial characterization of the first negative ion beam from SPIDER was achieved.
• Procurement and timeline for MITICA are on track, with initial voltage holding tests underway.

Conclusions:

• The NBTF, with SPIDER and MITICA, is making progress towards meeting ITER's neutral beam injector requirements.
• SPIDER's operational experience provides valuable insights for optimizing ion source performance.
• MITICA's development is crucial for addressing accelerator-related challenges, including voltage holding.