This work relates to development of diagnostics for radiation power (Prad) and soft x-ray (SXR) intensity measurements in DEMO. A modular, multi-chamber, multi-channel SXR detection system based on gas electron multiplier technology in lateral configuration is currently in conceptual design phase. The high magnetic fields expected at the planned detector positions in the diagnostic ports of the tokamak must be considered in the design. The present study examines two contributions of its influence. The first one pertained to the electric field drifts of thermalized electrons. These were found to be significant, but mostly linear and mitigatable. The second contribution pertained to the impact of magnetic fields on the initial photoelectrons. This was particularly effective in the second detector chamber, which had been optimized for higher photon energies. The size and shape of the electron cloud in a working gas mixture created by primary ionizations have been evaluated as a function of x-ray energy, magnetic field strength, and angle. Moreover, a more direct analysis concerning the loss of electrons in the second chamber has been performed. In this context, the magnetic field was found to have a slightly beneficial effect on the operation of the detector, as it limited the range of ionization perpendicular to its direction and decreased the probability of a primary electron leaving the drift region. Potential design changes resulting from these findings were discussed.
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