Physics aspects and technical elements of an ICRF heating system for JET

We first present an overview of the recent results obtained in existing Tokamaks. These experiments offer a critical test of the basic physics ideas, give an estimate of the overall heating performance and show the degree of development of the RF hardware. A second part is devoted to the basic water-particle physics. JET will have to work in a wide variety of plasma parameters which constitutes an unprecedented constraint. A range of frequency is found which accomodates, within limits, most of the operating scenarios foreseen in JET. Moving from the plasma to the outer world, the wave coupling theory determines the position, the surface and the voltage stand-off of the launching structure which is necessary to transmit the power. Modules capable of transmitting 5 MW per Octant are discussed in the light of the present technology. The most critical parameter influencing the antenna performance appears to be the distance from the antenna to the plasma. Finally we have summarized our experience and our discussions with the industrial firms to outline the components of the RF system: power tubes, power supply requirements, coaxial transmission lines and matching network. A lay out of the power plant is then given