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New York opens RFQ, RFA windows for nuclear development and workforce
The New York Power Authority is seeking nuclear reactor developers that can commence construction on large-scale reactors and/or small modular reactors before 2033 that can ultimately add at least 1 GW of new capacity to New York’s electrical grid.
L. C. Carlson, E. L. Alfonso, H. Huang, A. Nikroo, M. E. Schoff, M. N. Emerich, T. Bunn, N. A. Antipa, J. B. Horner
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 67 | Number 4 | May 2015 | Pages 762-770
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/FST14-833
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Capsules for inertial confinement fusion require precise measurement of isolated features and domes on the capsule's outer surface. Features that are too large must be removed. A 4pi capsule mapping and characterization system has been developed to map, identify, and measure domes using a Leica confocal microscope. An ultraviolet wavelength laser was integrated to laser-ablate the offending domes that exceed the allowable mix mass. Current process methods to remove domes require three different stations in different locations. The 4pi system achieves automated capsule handling, metrology, and laser polishing/ablation of domes on one device without losing track of the capsule's orientation. The measurement technique and metrology accuracy are compared to patch atomic force microscopy scans and phase-shifting diffraction interferometer measurements with good correlation. The laser polishing method has demonstrated analogous results to the current process methods, but in an automated fashion. Additionally, the 4pi capsule-handling capability of the system has been used to laser-ablate purposeful engineered designs into specialty capsules.