Analysis of LH Launcher Arrays (Like the ITER One) Using the TOPLHA Code

TOPLHA (Torino Polytechnic Lower Hybrid Antenna) code is an innovative tool for the 3D∕1D simulation of Lower Hybrid (LH) antennas, i.e. accounting for realistic 3D waveguides geometry and for accurate 1D plasma models, and without restrictions on waveguide shape, including curvature. This tool provides a detailed performances prediction of any LH launcher, by computing the antenna scattering parameters, the current distribution, electric field maps and power spectra for any user‐specified waveguide excitation. In addition, a fully parallelized and multi‐cavity version of TOPLHA permits the analysis of large and complex waveguide arrays in a reasonable simulation time. A detailed analysis of the performances of the proposed ITER LH antenna geometry has been carried out, underlining the strong dependence of the antenna input parameters with respect to plasma conditions. A preliminary optimization of the antenna dimensions has also been accomplished. Electric current distribution on conductors, electric field distribution at the interface with plasma, and power spectra have been calculated as well. The analysis shows the strong capabilities of the TOPLHA code as a predictive tool and its usefulness to LH launcher arrays detailed design.