The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) project is the major effort of the national fusion programme of the Republic of Korea. Its aim is to develop a steady state capable advanced superconducting tokamak to establish a scientific and technological basis for an attractive fusion reactor. The major parameters of the tokamak are: major radius 1.8 m, minor radius 0.5 m, toroidal field 3.5 T and plasma current 2 MA, with a strongly shaped plasma cross-section and double null divertor. The initial pulse length provided by the poloidal magnet system is 20 s, but the pulse length can be increased to 300 s through non-inductive current drive. The plasma heating and current drive system consists of neutral beams, ion cyclotron waves, lower hybrid waves and electron cyclotron waves for flexible profile control in advanced tokamak operating modes. A comprehensive set of diagnostics is planned for plasma control, performance evaluation and physics understanding. The project has completed its conceptual design and moved to the engineering design and construction phase. The target date for the first plasma is 2002.

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A prototype ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) antenna with RF power of 6 MW has been developed for the long pulse (300 s), high power operation in the Korea superconducting tokamak advanced research (KSTAR) tokamak. Cooling paths in the antenna were carefully designed to remove the dissipated RF power loss. An RF power test has been performed to estimate the standoff capability of the antenna. A high power RF test at a frequency of 30 MHz gives a standoff voltage of 30.5 kVp for 60 s and 23.2 kVp for 300 s (without cooling). During the RF pulse, the peak voltage, forward/reflected powers, temperature of the antenna, and gas pressure are measured. A vacuum feedthrough of 1 MW RF power has been developed, which has two alumina ceramic cylinders and an O-ring seal. For cooling of the ceramic parts, dry air is injected into the ceramic surface through two outer nozzles. Independent cooling water channels are installed to cool the inner conductor of the feedthrough. RF high voltage tests show that stable operation is possible, with a peak voltage of 28.9 kVp for 300 s, without any severe damage.

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