High power density and long pulse operation with Tore Supra ICRF facility

Ten years after the first ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) heated Tore Supra (TS) plasma shot, and as TS facility, now equipped with the new ‘CIEL’ high power handing in-vessel components (This SOFT), is progressing towards long pulse performances, the main results and experience gained from the ICRF system are reviewed. An overview of the present status of TS ICRF facility is given, with highlights on the main modifications made to the initial plant and associated results. TS ICRF system achievements are then reported from a large ICRF heated pulses database covering ten experimental campaigns (1991–2001). The main technological issues encountered, especially those relevant to next step ICRF system design, are also discussed. Finally, in view of extended pulse length performances on TS, the present limitations of the ICRF facility and future plans are outlined.