Abstract: First operation of a new generation of MW level, 110GHz generator on the DIII-D fusion experimental devicehas been achieved. THe desire for high power, cwmillimeter (mm) wave sources to support fusion researchand development is just now beginning to be realized.Plasma heating and current drive with directed mm wavesrely on the strong absorption achieved when the wavefrequency matches the natural 'cyclotron' frequency ofelectrons in a magnetic field, or its harmonics. Recentprogress in fusion experiments highlights the need forcontrol of the interior details of the hot plasma, andmm wave systems are ideally suited for this role. Abrief status of fusion research is given, and theimportance of mm waves in the future directions forfusion research is described. The vacuum transmissioncomponents necessary for transmitting, monitoring, andlaunching high power 110 GHz waves into a plasma havebeen developed at General Atomics and will bedescribed. High power mm waves have a number ofattractive technological features for fusionapplications compared with other candidate plasmaheating and current drive technologies. Millimeterwaves can be transmitted with high power density overlarge distances with low losses by utilizing corrugatedwaveguides, so the generators can be sited remotely,facilitating maintenance and saving valuable space nearthe fusion device. !10
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