Status of ion source development for the KSTAR neutral beam system (abstract)

A high-current, high-energy, and long-pulse positive ion source for the KSTAR neutral beam system is being developed on the basis of proven technology. The original prototype ion source was the TFTR developed by LBNL, but the accelerator slit grid brazed with shaped molybdenum tubes was a barrier for success of the copied work. In order to cover the technical and economical problems caused by the molybdenum tubes, a new OFH copper grid with circular apertures has been designed and manufactured. Cooling circuits aligned along every line of the aperture arrays are made with the help of gun drills. The test and the first experimental results of the upgraded ion source, such as high-voltage characteristics, cooling characteristics, discharge characteristics, and first beam extraction characteristics are described.