The new electron beam test facility JUDITH II for high heat flux experiments on plasma facing components

With the installation of a new electron beam (EB) test facility JUDITH II, the parameter range of high heat flux simulations is extended and the urgent need of additional testing capacity is addressed. A nominal power of 200 kW combined with a beam scanning angle of +/- 14 degrees enables to test larger components of up to 0.5 m x 1 m surface area. A relatively low acceleration voltage (30-60 kV) reduces volumetric heating for the benefit of a more plasma like surface heating. Due to a very flexible and individual programmable system for electron beam pattern generation, very homogeneous load distributions can be achieved during static load tests and highly realistic simulations of ITER relevant transient heat loads become possible. Furthermore, static and transient loads can be combined in one single experiment. Improved diagnostics, such as IR-analyses, a spectrometer in the visible range, a photodiode array and acoustic emission shall finally contribute to a better understanding of the effects caused by extreme thermal shock loads. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.