Manufacturing of large size RF based -ve ion source with 8 drivers-challenges and learnings

Radio Frequency (RF) Ion Source for ITER Diagnostic Neutral Beam (DNB) system, is an 8 driver based ion source, where the desired plasma density is produced by inductive coupling of RF power. The present paper describes the experience of developing a manufacturing design to meet the above mentioned requirements, feasibility assessment, prototyping carried out, parallel experiments in support of manufacturing and realization of sub-components along with their quality inspections activities performed. Additionally, paper also presents to the observations in terms of deviations and non-conformities encountered, as a part of learning for the future components