Charge Exchange Atoms Research Articles

Synthetic Diagnostic of Spectra of Charge-Exchange Atoms for Analysis of Influence of the MHD Instability on Fast-Particle Confinement in Spherical Tokamaks Globus-M/M2

Absorbed power of the neutral-injection beam in spherical tokamaks Globus-M/M2 is estimatednumerically. Deceleration of fast particles is simulated by means of the NUBEAM code. The signal of analyzerof charge-exchange atoms is simulated by means of the FIDASIM code using the distribution functionof fast ions calculated by means of the NUBEAM code. Comparison of calculated and experimental signalsallowed determining the degree of influence of instabilities on confinement of fast particles along withabsorbed beam power.

Synthetic Diagnostic of Spectra of Charge-Exchange Atoms for Analysis of Influence of the MHD Instability on Fast-Particle Confinement in Spherical Tokamaks Globus-M/M2

Synthetic Diagnostic of Spectra of Charge-Exchange Atoms for Analysis of Influence of the MHD Instability on Fast-Particle Confinement in Spherical Tokamaks Globus-M/M2

Validation of EDGE2D-EIRENE and DIVIMP for W SOL transport in JET

Abstract Tungsten sputtering rates and density profiles predicted using the edge plasma codes EDGE2D-EIRENE and DIVIMP are found to agree within a factor of 4 with measurements of neutral and singly-ionized W spectral line emission in the JET low-field side (LFS) divertor, and within a factor of 2 with SXR, VUV, and bolometric calculations of the W density in the main plasma. The edge plasma W predictions are extended to the core plasma using JINTRAC integrated core-edge modelling. Prompt redeposition of W is identified as the primary reason for the discrepancy between predicted and measured W emission in the divertor. The studied plasmas include attached divertor conditions in L-mode and type-I ELMy H-mode plasmas typical for JET. To more accurately reproduce the spectroscopically inferred W sputtering rates in EDGE2D-EIRENE, imposing the experimentally observed Be concentration of order 0.5% in the divertor is necessary. However, the W density in the main plasma is predicted to be insensitive to whether or not W is sputtered by Be at the divertor targets. Instead, the majority of the predicted core W originated in L-mode from sputtering due to fast D charge-exchange atoms at the W-coated tiles above the LFS divertor, and in H-mode due to D and W ions at the targets during ELMs.

Control system of neutral particle analyzer in energy sweeping mode

For analyzing energy distribution of charge exchange atoms the ion energy sweeping technique is suggested as an alternative to the conventional multichannel Neutral Particle Analyzer (NPA) diagnostics. New electronics for application of the sweeping technique in the presence of mass separation (MS) electromagnet is described. The L/R time constant of the magnet is about 200 ms. Variation of current trough the magnet from zero to 0.3 A during 5 ms is required for energy-sweeping technique implementation in the ion energy range of 0−2 keV. The voltage applied to electrostatic part of NPA should be varied from zero to 500 V (measured energy is 4.5 times higher than the applied voltage). The dependence of the electrostatic voltage on the MS magnet current should correspond to the NPA calibration curve. The problem of simultaneous variation of the voltage at electrostatic part and current in MS magnet in accordance with NPA calibration is solved by means of developed electronics with the use of a STM32F100 microprocessor as a control unit. Square wave pulses of 310 V of variable duration are applied to generate MS magnet current. The IGBT bridge is used as a power unit of the MS magnet. The electrostatic voltage was formed by digital to analog convertor unit of STM32F100 microprocessor. The synchronized output of two control signals is produced by means of the direct memory access unit of the STM32F100 microprocessor.

A Diode-Based Detector of Fast Neutral Atoms at a Gas Dynamic Trap

A multichannel diagnostic unit for charge-exchange atoms was created at the Gas Dynamic Trap to study fast ions with energies in the thermonuclear range, which are produced during high-power atomic injection. Two detection systems based on the pinhole camera principle were developed to observe the radial distribution of the emission of charge-exchange atoms. AXUV16ELG semiconductor photodiodes, as well as experimental diodes developed by the Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics that are capable of operating in the avalanche amplification mode, are used as sensitive the elements. Using this diagnostic unit, it is possible to study the dynamics of accumulation and confinement of fast particles and, in particular, to investigate the processes associated with the magnetohydrodynamic activity of hot ion plasma under conditions of a high relative pressure.

An Investigation of the Influence of the Plasma Current on the Ion Heat Transport in the Globus-M Spherical Tokamak

Experiments intended to study the dependence of the ion temperature on the plasma current were carried out on the Globus-M spherical tokamak. The ion temperature was measured at a few spatial points with the help of charge exchange spectroscopy and a charge exchange atom analyzer. On the basis of the experimental data, modeling with the use of the ASTRA numerical code was carried out and the thermal diffusivities for the ion plasma component were determined. The calculation results show that the ion behavior is similar to neoclassical.

Исследование влияния тока плазмы на ионный теплоперенос в сферическом токамаке Глобус-М

AbstractExperiments intended to study the dependence of the ion temperature on the plasma current were carried out on the Globus-M spherical tokamak. The ion temperature was measured at a few spatial points with the help of charge exchange spectroscopy and a charge exchange atom analyzer. On the basis of the experimental data, modeling with the use of the ASTRA numerical code was carried out and the thermal diffusivities for the ion plasma component were determined. The calculation results show that the ion behavior is similar to neoclassical.

Scrape-off layer modeling with kinetic or diffusion description of charge-exchange atoms

Hydrogen isotope atoms, generated by charge-exchange (c-x) of neutral particles recycling from the first wall of a fusion reactor, are described either kinetically or in a diffusion approximation. In a one-dimensional (1-D) geometry, kinetic calculations are accelerated enormously by applying an approximate pass method for the assessment of integrals in the velocity space. This permits to perform an exhaustive comparison of calculations done with both approaches. The diffusion approximation is deduced directly from the velocity distribution function of c-x atoms in the limit of charge-exchanges with ions occurring much more frequently than ionization by electrons. The profiles across the flux surfaces of the plasma parameters averaged along the main part of the scrape-off layer (SOL), beyond the X-point and divertor regions, are calculated from the one-dimensional equations where parallel flows of charged particles and energy towards the divertor are taken into account as additional loss terms. It is demonstrated that the heat losses can be firmly estimated from the SOL averaged parameters only; for the particle loss the conditions in the divertor are of importance and the sensitivity of the results to the so-called “divertor impact factor” is investigated. The coupled 1-D models for neutral and charged species, with c-x atoms described either kinetically or in the diffusion approximation, are applied to assess the SOL conditions in a fusion reactor, with the input parameters from the European DEMO project. It is shown that the diffusion approximation provides practically the same profiles across the flux surfaces for the plasma density, electron, and ion temperatures, as those obtained with the kinetic description for c-x atoms. The main difference between the two approaches is observed in the characteristics of these species themselves. In particular, their energy flux onto the wall is underestimated in calculations with the diffusion approximation by 20%–30%. This discrepancy can be significantly reduced if after the convergence of coupled plasma-neutral calculations, the final computation for c-x atoms is done kinetically.

Image quality method as a possible way of in situ monitoring of in-vessel mirrors in a fusion reactor.

The plasma-facing (first) mirrors in ITER will be subject to sputtering and/or contamination with rates that will depend on the precise mirror locations. The resulting influence of both these factors can reduce the mirror reflectance (R) and worsen the transmitted image quality (IQ). This implies that monitoring the mirror quality in situ is an actual desire, and the present work is an attempt towards a solution. The method we propose is able to elucidate the reason for degradation of the mirror reflectance: sputtering by charge exchange atoms or deposition of contaminated layers. In case of deposition of contaminants, the mirror can be cleaned in situ, but a rough mirror (due to sputtering) cannot be used anymore and has to be replaced. To demonstrate the feasibility of the IQ method, it was applied to mirror specimens coated with carbon film in laboratory conditions and to mirrors coated with contaminants during exposure in fusion devices (TRIAM-1M and Tore Supra), as well as to mirrors of different materials exposed to sputtering by plasma ions in the DSM-2 plasma stand (in IPP NSC KIPT).

Experimental Simulation of the Behaviour of Diagnostic First Mirrors Fabricated of Different Metals for ITER Conditions

In the experimental fusion reactor ITER, the plasma-facing component of each optical and/or laser diagnostic needs to be based on reflective optics with at least one mirror (first mirror) facing the thermonuclear plasma. The different kinds of radiation emanating from the burning plasma (neutrons, neutral atoms, electromagnetic radiation) create hostile operating conditions for the first mirrors. Therefore, a special program has been set up under the ITER framework aimed at solving the first mirror problem. This paper will review the main results in this field that have been obtained in the Institute of Plasma Physics, National Science Center “Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology” (in many cases in cooperation with groups of other countries, as indicated in corresponding parts of the manuscript) during long-term investigations directed to find a solution of this problem,i.e., to find a material and accompanying precautions in order to satisfy the requirements for first mirrors. The main efforts were devoted to finding solutions to overcome the impact of the most severe deteriorating factors resulting in degradation of the optical properties of mirrors: sputtering by charge exchange atoms and deposition of contaminants. The obtained results are focused on: the effects of long term sputtering on mirror specimens fabricated from different metals with different structures (polycrystals, single crystals, metal film on metal substrates, amorphous), the effects of contaminating film and the possible protection to avoid of its appearance, the role of chemical processes for some metal mirrors, and the choice of material of laser mirrors.

First measurements of D(α) spectrum produced by anisotropic fast ions in the gas dynamic trap.

Angled injection of eight deuterium beams in gas dynamic trap (GDT) plasmas builds up the population of fast ions with the distribution function, which conserves a high degree of initial anisotropy in space, energy, and pitch angle. Unlike the Maxwellian distribution case, the fast ion plasma component in GDT cannot be exhaustively characterized by the temperature and density. The instrumentation complex to study of fast ions is comprised of motional Stark effect diagnostic, analyzers of charge exchange atoms, and others. The set of numerical codes using for equilibrium modeling is also an important tool of analysis. In the recent campaign of summer 2014, we recorded first signals from the new fast ion D-alpha diagnostic on GDT. This paper presents the diagnostic description and results of pilot measurements. The diagnostic has four lines of sight, distributed across the radius of an axially symmetric plasma column in GDT. In the present setup, a line-integrated optical signal is measured in each channel. In the transverse direction, the spatial resolution is 18 mm. Collected light comes to the grating spectrometer with the low-noise detector based on a charge-coupled device matrix. In the regime of four spectra stacked vertically on the sensor, the effective spectral resolution of measurements is approximately 0.015 nm. Exposure timing is provided by the fast optical ferroelectric crystal shutter, allowing frames of duration down to 70 μs. This number represents the time resolution of measurements. A large dynamic range of the camera permits for a measurement of relatively small light signals produced by fast ions on top of the bright background emission from the bulk plasma. The fast ion emission has a non-Gaussian spectrum featuring the characteristic width of approximately 4 nm, which can be separated from relatively narrow Gaussian lines of D-alpha and H-alpha coming from the plasma periphery, and diagnostic beam emission. The signal to noise ratio varies from approximately ten for the central channel to approximately five for the outermost channel. We used the special set of Monte Carlo codes to fit the measured spectra. The shape of model fit shows a good agreement with the experimental fast ion D-alpha spectrum.

Simultaneous impact of neutron irradiation and sputtering on the surface structure of self–damaged ITER–grade tungsten

Simultaneous effects of neutron irradiation and long–term sputtering on the surface relief of ITER–grade tungsten were studied. The effects of neutron–induced displacement damage have been simulated by irradiation of tungsten target with W6 + ions of 20 MeV energy. Ar+ ions with energy 600 eV were used as imitation of charge exchange atoms in ITER. The surface relief was studied after each sputtering act. The singularity in the WJ–IG surface relief was ascertained experimentally at the first time, which determines the law of roughness extension under sputtering. As follows from the experimental data, the neutron irradiation has not to make a decisive additional contribution in the processes developing under impact of charge exchange atoms only.

Effect of sputtering on self-damaged ITER-grade tungsten

Simulation of neutron irradiation and sputtering on ITER-grade tungsten was studied. The effects of neutron-induced displacement damage have been simulated by irradiation of tungsten target with W6+ ions of 20MeV energy. Bombardment by Ar+ ions with energy 600eV was used as imitation of impact of charge exchange atoms in ITER. The sputtering process was interrupted to perform in between measurements of the optical properties of the eroded surface and the mass loss. After sputtering was finished, the surface was thoroughly investigated by different methods for characterizing the surface relief developed due to sputtering. The damaging to, at least, the level that would be achieved in ITER does not lead to a decisive additional contribution to the processes under impact of charge exchange atoms only.

Progress in stellarator research in Kharkov IPP

Recent results of the experimental program on the stellarator-type device Uragan-3M at the IPP in Kharkov are presented. Efforts were focused mainly on optimization of the operation of the frame-type radiofrequency antenna to produce a target plasma for the three-half-turn antenna. Different regimes of the Uragan-3M operation, which are characterized by different temporal behavior of the average plasma density, electron cyclotron emission radiation intensity and particle confinement time, are considered. Elementary atomic processes responsible for plasma creation are studied. The particle confinement time for the Uragan-3M plasmas is estimated. Measurements of energy spectra of charge exchange atoms are carried out. The principal possibility of realizing a ‘stellarator–magnetic mirror’ scheme as a prototype of a stellarator-mirror fusion–fission hybrid is shown for Uragan-2M. Future plans are discussed.

The influence of plasma horizontal position on the neutron rate and flux of neutral atoms in injection heating experiment on the TUMAN-3M tokamak

Horizontal displacement of plasma along the major radius has been found to significantly influence the fluxes of 2.45 MeV DD neutrons and high-energy charge-exchange atoms from neutral beam injection (NBI) heated plasma of the TUMAN-3M tokamak. An inward shift by ΔR = 1 cm causes 1.2-fold increase in the neutron flux and 1.9-fold increase in the charge-exchange atom flux. The observed increase in the neutron flux is attributed to joint action of several factors-in particular, improved high-energy ion capture and confinement and, probably, decreased impurity inflow from the walls, which leads to an increase in the density of target ions. A considerable increase in the flux of charge-exchange neutrals in inward-shifted plasma is due to the increased number of captured high-energy ions and, to some extent, the increased density of the neutral target. As a result of the increase in the content of high-energy ions, the central ion temperature Ti(0) increased from 250 to 350 eV. The dependence of the neutron rate on major radius R0 should be taken into account when designing compact tokamak-based neutron sources.

Effect of sputtering on the samples of ITER-grade tungsten preliminarily irradiated by tungsten ions: Optical investigations

The simultaneous effect of sputtering and neutron irradiation on the optical properties of tungsten mirrors has been considered, which was simulated by bombardment by 20-MeV W+6 ions. The action of charge-exchange atoms was imitated using Ar+ ions with an energy of 600 eV. The dependence of the structure of the surface and optical properties of tungsten on the fluence of Ar ions has been studied using optical microscopy, interferometry, reflectometry, and ellipsometry. It has been shown that irradiation with neutrons should introduce a significant additional contribution to the processes at the tungsten surface that occur under the effect of charge-exchange atoms. An analysis of experimental data obtained by using reflectometry and ellipsometry made it possible to suggest a realistic model of the process of surface modification for samples of ITER-grade tungsten (that were preliminarily irradiated by tungsten ions) using prolonged sputtering by Ar+ ions.

Effect of sputtering on self-damaged recrystallized W mirror specimens

The effect of heavy sputtering and of neutron irradiation simulated by displacement damaging with of 20MeV W6+ ions on the optical properties of tungsten mirrors was studied. Ar+ ions with 600eV of energy were used as imitation of charge exchange atoms ejected from fusion plasma. The ion fluence dependence of the surface topography and the optical properties of polycrystalline, recrystallized tungsten (grain size 20–100μm) were studied by optical microscopy, interferometry, reflectometry and ellipsometry. Furthermore, after sputtering in total a layer of 3.9μm in thickness, the orientation and the thickness of the eroded layer of many individual grains was determined by electron backscattering diffraction and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Concluding from the obtained data the neutron irradiation, at least at the damage level would be achieved in ITER, has not to make an additional contribution in the processes developing under impact of charge exchange atoms only.

The Dynamic Heliosphere: Outstanding Issues

Properties of the heliospheric interface, a complex product of an interaction between charged and neutral particles and magnetic fields in the heliosphere and surrounding Circumheliospheric Medium, are far from being fully understood. Recent Voyager spacecraft encounters with the termination shock and their observations in the heliosheath revealed multiple energetic particle populations and noticeable spatial asymmetries not accounted for by the classic theories. Some of the challenges still facing space physicists include the origin of anomalous cosmic rays, particle acceleration downstream of the termination shock, the role of interstellar magnetic fields in producing the global asymmetry of the interface, the influence of charge exchange and interstellar neutral atoms on heliospheric plasma flows, and the signatures of solar magnetic cycle in the heliosheath. These and other outstanding issues are reviewed in this joint report of working groups 4 and 6.

Near-infrared spectroscopy for burning plasma diagnostic applications

Ultraviolet and visible (UV-VIS, 200-750 nm) atomic spectroscopy of neutral and ionized fuel species (H, D, T, and Li) and impurities (e.g., He, Be, C, and W) is a key element of plasma control and diagnosis on International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and future magnetically confined burning plasma experiments (BPXs). Spectroscopic diagnostic implementation and performance issues that arise in the BPX harsh nuclear environment in the UV-VIS range, e.g., degradation of first mirror reflectivity under charge-exchange atom bombardment (erosion) and impurity deposition, permanent and dynamic loss of window, and optical fiber transmission under intense neutron and gamma-ray fluxes, are either absent or not as severe in the near-infrared (NIR, 750-2000 nm) range. An initial survey of NIR diagnostic applications has been undertaken on the National Spherical Torus Experiment. It is demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy can be used for machine protection and plasma control applications, as well as contribute to plasma performance evaluation and physics studies. Emission intensity estimates demonstrate that NIR measurements are possible in the BPX plasma operating parameter range. Complications in the NIR range due to the parasitic background emissions are expected to occur at very high plasma densities, low impurity densities, and at high plasma-facing component temperatures.

A diamond-detector-based fast-particle spectrometer with digital signal processing

A spectrometer with digital signal processing is intended to make measurements at counting rates that are at least an order of magnitude higher than the limiting counting rate of an analog spectrometer. The tests have shown that the spectrometer operating in the maximum count rate mode compares well with the traditional analog spectrometer in such important characteristics as energy resolution, linearity, and noise immunity. The pilot version of the designed digital spectrometer was successfully used on the JET tokamak for recording energy distributions of fast charge exchange atoms with energies above 40 keV.