2024 – Quantifying tungsten re-deposition spatial scales using negative triangularity plasmas with ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy

Quantifying tungsten re-deposition spatial scales using negative triangularity plasmas with ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy

2024 Research Campaign, Plasma Material Interactions

Purpose of Experiment

This experiment aims to benchmark S/XB coefficients of neutral W emission lines (W I) in the ultraviolet (UV) range over a wider range of plasma parameters than was previously possible. This will be accomplished by combining UV and visible (VIS) spectroscopic measurements of near neutral charge states of tungsten (W I, W II, W III) with post-mortem analysis of DiMES W samples while making use of the recent ability to run negative triangularity plasmas shapes with DiMES exposures to access measurements in new plasma conditions. The main goals are described as follows:

● Using negative triangularity to increase power deposition on DiMES, for the following purposes: ● Achieve scenarios with ne > 0.5×1014 cm-3 for studies at ITER-relevant plasma conditions. ● Larger particle and heat fluxes on DiMES for increased W net erosion rates and higher SNR. ● W spectra with higher SNR will increase the probability of observing W III lines in the UV range (200-220 nm), which would yield more precise W re-deposition measurements. ● Benchmarking S/XB coefficients for neutral (W I) emission lines in the UV: W S/XB coefficients observed in the UV in previous DIII-D experiments are consistently larger than predicted by Collisional-Radiative (CR) atomic physics models. We will simultaneously measure both visible W I spectral lines (400.88 nm, 429 nm) and UV W I lines (200 to 360 nm). These more precise S/XB measurements will enable the S/XB discrepancy to be directly addressed.

Experimental Approach

We propose a half-day experiment (4 hours). We will use negative triangularity shaped plasmas with the lower Outer Strike Point over DiMES. We plan to expose two different DiMES heads. The first step of the experiment involves measuring S/XBs from both visible and ultraviolet W emission of near-neutral charge states. W I and W II emission will be measured using five different wavelength windows of interest in the 200 to ~430 nm wavelength range. Also, we expect to observe W III emission in the ~210 nm range. W samples will be exposed to negative triangularity plasmas for a total of ~15 seconds. Three “big spot – small spot” DiMES samples will be used. The DiMES head of a central 15 mm diameter layer of W on the graphite base used for W re-deposition measurements and covered by spectroscopy collection areas. Also, 1 mm diameter W layers (small spots) are located around the central W spot for W gross-erosion measurements. The HRUVS and MDS spectrometers will measure both UV and visible W I, W II and W III emission lines from the W sample. After plasma exposure, W gross-erosion and net-erosion will be inferred by post-mortem analysis using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). The eroded thickness measured on the central spot corresponds to net erosion while the erosion on surrounding small spots corresponds to gross erosion.

Interested in a behind-the-scenes look at DIII-D? Join us for a virtual OR in-person tour during Fusion Energy Week (May 5-9)! Sign up for a tour here.

X