WEST actively cooled load resilient ion cyclotron resonance heating system results

Three identical new WEST ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) antennas have been designed, assembled then commissioned on plasma from 2013 to 2019. The WEST ICRH system is both load-resilient and compatible with long-pulse operations. The three antennas have been successfully operated together on plasma in 2019 and 2020, with up to 5.8 MW of coupled power. The load resilience capability has been demonstrated and the antenna feedback controls for phase and matching have been developed. The breakdown detection systems have been validated and successfully protected the antennas. The use of ICRH in combination with lower hybrid has triggered the first high confinement mode transitions identified on WEST.

Automated summary

By designing, assembling, and commissioning three identical new ICRH antennas, WEST has achieved efficient plasma heating and demonstrated load resilience and compatibility with long-pulse operations. The successful operation of the antennas together on plasma, combined with breakdown detection systems, have led to the triggering of high confinement mode transitions on WEST.