Composite Materials and Meta Materials for a New Approach to ITER ICRH Loads

Preliminary laboratory testing of ICRH antennas is a very useful step before their commissioning. Traditionally, pure water, salt water or baking soda water loads are used. These “water” loads are convenient but strongly limited in terms of performance testing. We have started two feasibility studies for advanced ICRH loads made of ferroelectric ceramics (passive loads) and meta materials (active loads) [1]. Preliminary results are very encouraging.