Validation of the electrical design of the W7-X ICRF antenna on a reduced-scale mock-up

Highlights: • The electrical design of the W7X ICRF antenna is validated on a reduced-scale mock-up. • High dieletric constant materials are needed for the dummy load to mimic the plasma load. • Salted water and a mix of ferroelectric BaTiO₃ and salted water are used as loads. • A comparison is made between experimental measurements and numerical simulations by 3 codes: Antiter II, CST MWS and Topica. • The best agreement is obtained with the BaTiO₃ mix load for all phasings. • The dependence of the coupled power estimate on the dielectric load properties is given. - Abstract: A scaled mock-up (1/4) of the proposed W7-X ICRF antenna has been constructed and placed in front of dielectric dummy loads. It allows comparing measured and predicted coupling performances and hence validating the electrical design of the antenna. High dielectric constant materials are needed for the dummy load to mimic the plasma. Salted water and a mix of the ferroelectric BaTiO₃ and salted water are used. The measurements are compared with the expectations of 3 codes: ANTITER II, MWS and TOPICA. The best agreement is obtained with the BaTiO₃ load for all phasings.