ITER ECRH upper launcher torus diamond window – Prototyping, testing and qualification

Highlights: • The diamond window prototype shows a very good transmission capability during high power RF experiments. • An ad-hoc qualification programme for the diamond torus window is being developed (contract between KIT and F4E). • The window design has been updated focused on its mechanical integrity and manufacturing aspects. - Abstract: The diamond window assembly is part of the ITER primary vacuum boundary and acts as the first tritium barrier and therefore it is classified as Safety/Protection Important Component (SIC/PIC). It consists of an ultra-low loss CVD diamond disk mounted in a system of metallic parts (copper/steel) and has to fulfil adequate transmission capability for high power mm-waves. High power RF experiments with a 1st window prototype had shown parasitic heating due to small gaps in the housing. After a design optimization directed to the mm-wave properties, the parasitic excitations of oscillations have been avoided in a 2nd prototype. This one is equipped with inserted waveguide structures, which cover gaps in the metallic structure of the window housing. From high power RF-measurements with a 0.86 MW/100 s pulse a loss tangent of 7.1 × 10⁻⁶ could be estimated, corresponding to an increase of temperature of only 120 mK between inlet and outlet of the cooling system. The diamond window assemblies cannot be entirely covered by codes and standards. To comply with the French safety regulations, instead an ad-hoc qualification programme is required, being developed in the framework of a contract between KIT and F4E. A new prototype (3rd) will be built, which is designed to fit to the single HELICOFLEX sealed waveguide structures of the ex-vessel mm-system of the EC upper launcher (UL). The testing programme ranges from mechanical to vacuum tests up to dielectric loss measurements at low and high power. A clear definition of the testing requirements and of the acceptance criteria is necessary as well as a complete documentation of the process.