The international experiment ITER is the next major step in the development of magnetically-confined fusion energy (MFE) as one of the key options for large-scale, greenhouse gas-free, alternative energy generation. Critical to ITERs success will be the ability to monitor the evolution of the exhaust gas mixture, including the isotopic mix of the hydrogenic fuel, and the presence of helium ash from the reaction. The need for the fast time response of such monitoring requires the development of a sensor that can be located inside the primary vacuum vessel and will be compatible with the ITER environment. In this project, this sensor development will be advanced by demonstrating that: (1) radio-frequency (RF) power can be used to locally excite atomic and molecular spectral emission in the neutralized, particle exhaust region of the divertor; (2) the discharge can be stably operated in the presence of the intense magnetic fields; (3) RF power can be safely conducted to the discharge region; and (4) optical signals can be cleanly transmitted outside the vessel and experimental area.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Beyond the fusion application, commercial applications should include the development of improved metallurgical coatings by use of feedback control based on rapid analysis of exhaust (effluent) gases. In turn, this would promote broader use of these coatings in such applications as improved fuel efficiency for automobiles and heavy vehicles
