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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.
M. X. Navarro, R. R. Delgado, M. G. Lagally, G. L. Kulcinski, J. F. Santarius
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 72 | Number 4 | November 2017 | Pages 713-718
Technical Note | doi.org/10.1080/15361055.2017.1350481
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This technical note describes the use of graphene as a way to protect plasma facing components from erosion, sputtering and diminished plasma performance and to extend component lifetimes in experimental plasma devices. In this work, 30 keV ionized helium is used as a projectile on graphene covered tungsten over a range of fluences. Graphene’s vacancy yield (ID) and natural resonance (IG) are found at ~1350 cm−1 and ~1550 cm−1, respectively. Damage of each sample is quantified using the ID/IG ratio via Raman spectroscopy (RS) at the aforementioned wave numbers. The surface morphology is studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the mass losses are recorded using a high-precision scale. The results from this study are of considerable importance since they indicate that a graphene coating could be an effective candidate for reducing erosion in different PFC materials.