Hydrogen Isotope Retention and Desorption in Tungsten During Glow Discharges

Hydrogen isotope retention and desorption behaviors in tungsten during glow plasma exposures using hydrogen isotope or inert gas were investigated. The rapid pressure drop of D₂ and the simultaneous pressure rises of HD and H₂ were observed during deuterium discharge. The net amount of retained deuterium was several times larger than that of stainless steel. The desorption of HD or H₂ was several times smaller than that of stainless steel. Compared with stainless steel, the amount of desorbed deuterium during subsequent inert gas discharge was several times smaller.