  The electron density close to the extraction grids and the co-extracted
electrons represent a crucial issue when operating negative ion sources for
fusion reactors. An excessive electron density in the plasma expansion region
can indeed inhibit the negative ion production and introduce potentially
harmful electrons in the accelerator. Among the set of plasma and beam
diagnostics proposed for SPIDER upgrade, a heterodyne microwave (mw)
interferometer at 100 GHz is being explored as a possibility to measure
electron density in the plasma extraction region. The major issue in applying
this technique in SPIDER is the poor accessibility of the probing microwave
beam through the source metal walls and the long distance of 4 m at which mw
modules should be located outside the vacuum vessel. Numerical investigations
in a full-scale geometry showed that the power transmitted through the plasma
source apertures was sufficient for the microwave module sensitivity. An
experimental proof-of-principle of the setup was then performed. The microwave
system was tested on an experimental full-scale test-bench mimicking SPIDER
viewports accessibility constraints, including the presence of a SPIDER-like
plasma. The outcome of first tests revealed that, despite the geometrical
constraints, in certain conditions, the electron density measurements are
possible. The main issue arises from decoupling the one-pass signal from
spurious multipaths generated by mw beam reflections, requiring signal cross
correlation analysis. These preliminary tests demonstrate that despite the 4 m
distance between the mw modules and the presence of metal walls, plasma density
measurement is possible when the 80-mm diameter ports are available. In this
contribution, we discuss the numerical simulations, the preliminary
experimental tests and suggest design upgrades of the interferometric setup to
enhance signal transmission.
