Characterization of a 20 kW helicon source for fusion relevant plasma-surface interactions using microwave and electrostic diagnostics

The MAGnetized Plasma Interaction Experiment (MAGPIE) is a non-uniform axial magnetic field helicon source built to study fusion relevant plasma-surface interactions. In this work we describe its operation with a new 20 kW pulsed RF source in H$_{2}$ and H$_{\mathrm{e}}$ under various discharge configurations. Diagnostics such as RF double probes and a 140 GHz heterodyne Michelson microwave interferometer are used to characterize the performance of the device over a wide range of operational regimes. During initial characterization we have measured plasma densities in excess of 1x10$^{19}$ m$^{-3}$ in H$_{2}$ at 12 kW of RF power. Finally, we report on recent work conducted in MAGPIE in close collaboration with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the Plasma Research Laboratory (PRL) where biased material samples are subjected to H$_{2}$ plasma. These samples are then analyzed ex-suti using a variety of material characterization techniques. Materials being investigated include graphite, diamond and tungsten.