Infrared Spectroscopy in Liquid Hydrogen Isotopologues for the ISS of ITER

The ITER project aims at demonstrating the technical feasibility of nuclear fusion in a DT plasma. One of the important steps towards a functional fusion power plant is the development of a stable and reliable fuel cycle. Major developments on this field are made at the Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe (TLK). In this paper the design and installation of an analysis apparatus for tritium concentrations via InfraRed (IR) absorption for engagement in the ITER ISS is described. The IR analysis is performed in the liquid hydrogen phase at the bottom of a cryogenic distillation column similar to those foreseen for ITER ISS. Technical constraints and physical boundary conditions are presented as well as experimental methods and preliminary results. The technical feasibility is shown and suggestions for further development of IR spectroscopy for ITER appliances are given.