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We present the development and first use of a set of movable electrostatic probes on the full-scale ITER heating neutral beam prototype negative-ion source SPIDER. The probes access the ion source plasma from the multi-aperture accelerator aiming at the study of the plasma formation and expansion from the RF drivers through the transverse magnetic filter. The magnetic filter separates the relatively high electron-temperature region for plasma formation and hydrogen dissociation form the negative-ion extraction region in which low electron-temperature is required to avoid negative-ion destruction, but also causes non-uniformities and drifts in the large plasma discharge which will be studied by this setup. The set of electrostatic probes encompasses eight RF-compensated Langmuir probes, one double probe, one Mach probe for the assessment of plasma drift velocities, and two gridded retarding field energy analyzers to measure the positive-ion energy distribution function. Electric aspects as well as mechanical constraints given by the large in-vacuum movable structure, and thermal requirements of these relatively heat-flux components made the design challenging. Prototyping and commissioning of the measurement system is discussed offering examples of measured characteristics with the various probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ion source NIO1 (Negative Ion Optimization 1) is a versatile multiaperture H− source capable of continuous regime operation, with the plasma generated by a 2 MHz/2.5 kW radiofrequency (rf) power supply and extraction of nine beamlets. It aims to partly reproduce the conditions of much larger ion sources, built or in construction for the neutral beam injectors of fusion devices, in a compact and modular ion source, where effects of individual source components can be rapidly verified and compared to simulation code results. Several modifications of the magnetic configuration (both inside the ion source and the embedded magnets inside the accelerator grids) were investigated. Saturation of beneficial effect of filter field at large strength (>0.01 T) leads us to use softer magnetic filters, and the advantages of a crossed deflection field are noted. The rf system takes full advantage of the generator bandwidth (0/ + 20 kHz used). The result database and the integration of major diagnostic systems with the control system are also summarized, with some details on voltage holding and beam uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The functionality and reproducibility of the three SPIDER Cs ovens were demonstrated. • A procedure for SPIDER that guarantee the cleanliness of Cs was found. • The procedure for the estimation of Cs consumption was validated. The SPIDER experiment is operating at the ITER Neutral Beam Test Facility PRIMA since June 2018 to study the operation of a full ITER-size negative ion source. In order to increase the negative ion extracted current and reduce the co-extracted electron current, caesium is evaporated inside the source. In fact, the adsorption of Cs onto the plasma grid, i.e. the first grid of the extraction system, lowers the surface work function, enhancing the probability of surface conversion of impinging hydrogen particles into negative ions. At the SPIDER test facility, Cs will be evaporated by heating a liquid Cs reservoir in three Cs ovens located at the back-plate of the ion source. The ovens must assure a controllable and reproducible evaporation. A SPIDER Cs oven prototype was procured and tested in the CAesium Test Stand (CATS) at PRIMA site to validate the design. Following the experimental tests, few improvements were introduced in the final design of the three Cs ovens for the SPIDER source. Then, the ovens were procured in 2019 and commissioned before their installation in SPIDER in 2020. This paper reports the functional tests of the SPIDER Cs ovens and of their embedded diagnostics. These tests were carried out at CATS, with the aim of characterizing the three ovens, in order to validate them for their use in SPIDER in the experimental campaign with caesium evaporation planned for the end of 2020. The ovens were successfully tested and characterized in terms of evaporation rate for different oven temperatures. Moreover, the three ovens show a good reproducibility and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]