Optimization of a lower hybrid current drive launcher for ITER

An international R&D program for lower-hybrid current drive (LHCD) in ITER is being conducted to deliver 20 MW (CW) using 500 kW klystrons at 5 GHz, with N||peak = 2.0 ± 0.2 for different plasma scenarios. The launcher is based on the passive-active mulitjunction (PAM), a concept more resilient to conditions expected at the plasma edge, notably densities close to cut-off (nec) and ELM activity, which lead to significant and abrupt reflection of RF power from the plasma, but even under which it may still attain extremely low power reflection coefficients at the input (R ∼ 1%). It has also a robust and shielded structure; is suitable for long-pulse operation; and has been validated experimentally on FTU and Tore Supra. Here the focus is on the PAM section of the launcher, and the objective is to explore, under broad plasma loading - from nec to 10 nec - the impact that design parameters such as the junction lengths, phase-shifter heights, and output waveguide widths have on its performance, particularly on R and on the E-fields inside its waveguides; and to explore also a configuration with a different phase-shifter arrangement, the so-called alternative design.