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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
L. Mercadier et al.
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 60 | Number 3 | October 2011 | Pages 1049-1052
Contamination and Waste | Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Tritium Science and Technology | doi.org/10.13182/FST11-A12596
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In this paper, in situ tritium measurements and control by laser techniques are presented. It is proposed to use Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) as an efficient technique to measure the tritium concentration in ablated material. However, LIBS could be limited due to material melting observed during ablation possibly leading to hydrogen losses. Laser ablation is shown to be an efficient process to recover the in vessel tritium if the dust produced during ablation is collected. This could be forbidden if ITER cannot be operated at high pressure. To overcome this difficulty and detritiate remote surfaces, laser heating could be applied since it generates gaseous compounds. However, inward diffusion could be expected leading to burry tritium in bulk material which is a counterproductive action. Finally, all these techniques must be embarked on remote handling system in order to explore and treat large surfaces. Obviously, this carrier is needed for a reliable and an efficient operation of the ITER nuclear facility.