High-power microwave and millimeter-wave technologies for fusion research

Tsun-Hsu Chang^1*, Hsien-Wen Chao¹, Chia-Chuan Chang¹, Zih-Cian Liou¹

¹Department of Physics, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan

* Presenter:Tsun-Hsu Chang, email:thschang@phys.nthu.edu.tw

One of the core challenges of nuclear fusion is maintaining extremely high plasma temperatures. In this process, high-power microwave and millimeter-wave technologies play a pivotal role. To support multi-stage heating and maintain plasma stability, this study focuses on the development and optimization of high-power electromagnetic sources across a broad frequency spectrum—from low-frequency RF (hundreds of MHz) to high-frequency millimeter waves (hundreds of GHz). Notable examples include the 2.45 GHz magnetron, 8.2 GHz klystron or solid-state power amplifier, and the 170 GHz gyrotron, each supporting distinct stages of plasma heating with precision and efficiency.

Keywords: Microwave, Millimeter-wave, Plasma, Gyrotron, Fusion