Hydrogen isotope analysis in W-tiles using fs-LIBS

Journal Article · 08 February 2023 · Scientific Reports

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-29138-2 · OSTI ID:1923937

Mittelmann, Steffen; Touchet, Kévin; Mao, Xianglei; Park, Minok; Brezinsek, Sebastijan; Pretzler, Georg; Zorba, Vassilia

Abstract Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a promising technology for in-situ analysis of Plasma-Facing Components in magnetic confinement fusion facilities. It is of major interest to monitor the hydrogen isotope retention i.e. tritium and deuterium over many operation hours to guarantee safety and availability of the future reactor. In our studies we use ultraviolet femtosecond laser pulses to analyze tungsten (W) tiles that were exposed to a deuterium plasma in the linear plasma device PSI-2, which mimics conditions at the first wall. A high-resolution spectrometer is used to detect the Balmer- $$$$\alpha$$$$ $\alpha$ transition of the surface from implanted hydrogen isotopes (H and D). We use Calibration Free CF-LIBS to quantify the amount of deuterium stored in W. This proof-of-principle study shows the applicability of femtosecond lasers for the detection of low deuterium concentration as present in first wall material of prevailing fusion experiments.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft; USDOE; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation
• Grant/Contract Number: AC02-05CH11231
• OSTI ID: 1923937
• Journal Information: Scientific Reports, Journal Name: Scientific Reports Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 13; ISSN 2045-2322
• Publisher: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English