Progress on MATEO probe heads and observation system

Abstract

The research on plasma facing components in view of plasma wall interactions is advancing towards a new level with the availability of long pulse plasma machines. With Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) the first stellarator provides steady-state discharges with up to 30 min in the next operation phase (OP2). To support the investigation of PWI processes with fast sample and component exchange, a divertor manipulator and accompanying observation system with laser injection is in development.The introduction of probe heads into the W7-X plasma proceeds roughly along the developed use cases for diagnostic analysis, sample testing probe heads and finally high heat flux capable probe head designs. The thermal performance and limits of sample holding designs is simulated for an actively cooled probe head design. For testing and qualification of thermal and diagnostic capabilities of probe heads an UHV exchange chamber and linear drive system is developed for plasma exposure at the linear plasma generator PSI-2. The observation system design is modified to include a coaxial laser injection system.