A study is conducted of the feasibility of alpha particle measurement using a high energy diagnostic beam in combination with a neutral particle analyser for an ITER plasma. In order to measure alpha particles over an energy range of 0.5 to 3.5 MeV, the required beam energy is approximately 1 MeV for a 3He0 beam and 3 MeV for a 6Li0 beam, the beam current density being about 1 mA/cm2 for both cases. Among the various methods of producing such a high energy neutral beam, the acceleration of negative ions is the most favourable. Recent results of relatively small scale experiments with these negative ion sources reveal that the required current density is now attainable. Technical problems as to how to scale the ion sources used on an ITER sized experiment are also discussed for these experiments
Space charge compensation of positive ion beams used in magnetic fusion applications