PPPL-5388
Burning-plasma diagnostics: Photon and particle detector
development needs
Authors: L. F. Delgado-Aparicio, K. W. Hill, M.
Bitter, B. Stratton, D. Johnson, R. Feder, N. Pablant, J.
Klabacha, M. Zarnstorff and P. Efthimion
Abstract: This white paper is submitted to the U.S. FESAC
Transformative Enabling Capabilities (TEC) Subcommittee and the
Community Workshop on U.S. Magnetic Fusion Research Strategic
Directions seeking to raise awareness of the specific R&D needs
to maintain a basic set of plasma diagnostics predicted to be
necessary for the basic operation and control of a next-step-devices
like FNSF or DEMO. The harsh environmental conditions expected in
D-T fusion reactors will constrain or eliminate many key
measurements currently used in D-D experiments. A viable roadmap for
development of x-ray detectors is presented as an example with five
high-level recommendations. A similar path can be taken for
fast-particle detection and fusion products (e.g. neutrons and
NPAs), as well as microwave (e.g. reflectometry and ECE) and IR
(e.g. interferometer/polarimeter) technology. Additional funds (~6
M$/yr across the US diagnostic community) should be made available
at the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (DOE-OFES) in order to
assist in the short- to medium-term development and implementation
of key technology in support of adapting or replacing conventional
diagnostics for a burning plasma environment.