A new type of antenna for launching waves in the ion cyclotron frequency range in toroidal plasma devices has been developed and tested in the Phaedrus-T tokamak. This antenna, a stacked stripline (SSL), generates a radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field similar to that of a conventional strap antenna but develops voltages 2 orders of magnitude less, and can operate without a Faraday shield. In comparison tests with a conventional strap antenna at a power level of 69 kW, the RF induced density rise and the impurity production (as indicated by soft X ray and loop voltage increases) were reduced by a factor of 3. In addition, it was demonstrated that capacitive loading effects were reduced or eliminated in comparison with those observed on a conventional strap antenna operated without a Faraday shield, and in the operation of a pair of SSL antennas at 90 degrees phase, small current drive effects were observed
ICRF heating experiments in TFR using a low-field-side antenna