The IFMIF-DONES (DEMO-Oriented Neutron Early Source) facility has passed the preliminary design phase and the detailed design phase is very much advanced. Next step will be the preparation phase for the construction of the facility. The DONES facility aims at developing a database of fusion-like radiation effects on materials to be used in future fusion reactors up to damage levels expected in the EU DEMO. It will be based on an intense neutron source created by an accelerated deuteron beam (125 mA CW, 40 MeV) impinging on a liquid lithium curtain. The DONES Accelerator Systems (AS) will be responsible of delivering this 5 MW D⁺ beam with very high availability. The beam acceleration will be performed by several stages: an ion source and LEBT, an RFQ, a MEBT, an SRF Linac and a HEBT transporting and delivering an optimized profile down to the target. A high power RF system and several ancillaries will ensure the equipment is properly operated. This contribution will report the present status of the AS design, the main challenges faced, the R programme to overcome them, and the prospects for the construction and commissioning of the DONES accelerator in Granada (Spain).
Proceedings of the 12th International Particle Accelerator Conference, IPAC2021, Campinas, SP, Brazil