Development of a high-frequency ion source for ITER

IPP’s Technology Division in Garching is conducting a development programme for the international test reactor ITER – a new ion source for plasma heating by neutral particle beams. In contrast to former devices for ITER negative ion beams are needed. Production, acceleration, and neutralisation of negative hydrogen ions, which in contrast to positive ions are very fragile objects, is accompanied by a series of challenging physics and technology problems. In addition, high particle energies and steady state is requested. The results up to now nevertheless indicate, that IPP’s ion source is well on the way to be chosen as a candidate for ITER.