Description of capability
LHCD is a method of driving current in a plasma. It is an application of High-power RF for Nuclear fusion. A typical frequency is 5 GHz, and the source is usually Klystrons.
Key people
Technology Readiness Level (1-9)
Unknown
Needs that this could potentially address
Unknown
Tech specs
Estimated time & cost to commercialize
Unknown
Outstanding risks
Unknown
See also
- Andrew Seltzman is on developing an LHCD current drive for the DIII-D tokamak. His main innovation is to put the “launchers” inside the hole of the tokamak donut, as opposed around the outside.
- Andrew has done a lot of work on the manufacturing of LHCD components, particularly the launchers (which direct the RF waves and are hidden, in his design, behind the tungsten tiles in the scrape-off layer contacting the plasma). In particular:
- The use of metal Additive manufacturing with high-strength alloys
- Special metal alloys that don’t contain any high-activation elements like Nb
- Post-processing like welding and polishing for an optimal waveguide performance
- See article: Brazing, Laser, and Electron-Beam Welding of Additively Manufactured GRCop-84 Copper for Phased Array Lower Hybrid Launchers