Steady state RF facility for testing ITER ICRH RF contact component

After the installation and commissioning of the TITAN [1,2], test facility, a key element - the T resonator - was assembled in order to facilitate testing components at high RF voltages and currents. This work is within the CEA roadmap for testing ITER ICRH components in a relevant environment. Several components of the future ITER ICRH antenna have been targeted. The embedded RF contact within the ITER ICRH antenna appeared as a critical component for antenna performance, requiring extensive R&D. Therefore, CEA has proposed and subsequently prepared a platform to test and validate the anticipated RF contact. A steady state resonator with active water cooling has been manufactured and assembled within the TITAN facility, including a hot pressurized water loop. The program consists of testing the contact at 2.25 kA and 62 MHz in steady state conditions. Sliding tests are also performed at high temperature and vacuum to understand component aging, including wear. The equipment installed is consistent with that required to test an ITER ICRH extensively.