Feasibility study of a Heavy Ion Beam Probe for the Thailand Tokamak-1

A Heavy Ion Beam Probe (HIBP) diagnostic system can offer non-disturbing, local measurement of plasma electric potential and various plasma parameters. This paper presents results of a feasibility study for implementing a HIBP system on the Thailand Tokamak-1 (TT-1). With successful plasma discharges achieved in early 2023, TT-1, is planed for upgrades and expansion of diagnostic capabilities to conduct experiments in high confinement modes. Sector K is designated for the installation of the HIBP diagnostic system, where primary beam ions are injected through the top port and secondary beam ions emerge from the horizontal port. The HIBP system consists of two main components: (1) the primary beam injection, and (2) the detection of the secondary beam. In the injection system, the incident direction of the primary beam into the plasma is controlled by two pairs of electrostatic sweepers. For the detection of the secondary beam, the electric field produced by electrostatic sweepers, each with a length of 0.25 m and inclined at 30 degrees, ensures that the secondary beam ions enter the energy analyzer entrance at the center with normal angles. Candidate ions, such as Cs+, Rb+, and K+, with varying energies, are evaluated for their suitability based on beam attenuation and plasma density conditions. Cesium ions are suitable at lower densities ((n) over bar (e) <= 1 x 10(19) m(-3)), while Rb+ and K+ are preferable at higher plasma densities ((n) over bar (e) >= 1 x 10(19) m(-3)). The analysis indicates that the ratio of the attenuation current is approximately in the range of 10(-3) to 10(-2). This study provides valuable insights for the integration of the HIBP diagnostic system into TT-1, enabling investigations of H-mode plasma physics phenomena.