CERN LINAC4 H- Source and SPL plasma generator RF systems, RF power coupling and impedance measurements

In the LINAC4 H- source and the SPL plasma generator at CERN, the plasma is heated by a 100 kW, 2 MHz RF system. Matching of the load impedance to the final amplifier is achieved with a resonant network. The system implements a servo loop for power stabilization and frequency hopping to cope with the detuning effects induced by the plasma. This paper provides a detailed description of the system, including the pulse rate increase to 50 Hz for use in the SPL plasma generator. The performances, measurements of RF power coupling, contribution of the plasma to the impedance as well as first operation are reported.