The technology of ICRF systems

The technology of ICRF systems has made substantial gains in the past few years. The total power levels have increased from the 5-MW level to greater than 20 MW; the pulse lengths have increased from the 100-msec level to 30 seconds. Recently, fast wave current drive (FWCD) has been demonstrated using phased arrays of ICRF antennas. In order to achieve such large gains, substantial changes and improvements were needed in the level of design analysis, fabrication techniques, and system controls.