Concept development for the ITER equatorial port visible∕infrared wide angle viewing system.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Fusion Engineering
• Plasma Physics Diagnostics
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) requires advanced diagnostic systems for plasma monitoring.
• Existing viewing systems face challenges in achieving comprehensive coverage and resolution within the reactor environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a concept for a visible/infrared wide-angle viewing system for ITER's equatorial ports.
• To meet specific measurement requirements for plasma observation.

Main Methods:

• Proposed placement of four viewing systems in equatorial ports (3, 9, 12, 17).
• Each system provides four views: upper target, inner divertor, and tangential left/right.
• Incorporated an optical hinge concept to compensate for vacuum vessel movements.
• Utilized horizontally oriented port plug doglegs for compactness and reduced neutron streaming.

Main Results:

• Achieved sufficient coverage of the plasma region.
• Divertor system offers a spatial resolution twice as high as other views.
• The design ensures compactness and minimizes neutron streaming.

Conclusions:

• The proposed viewing system concept meets ITER's diagnostic needs.
• The design addresses key engineering challenges like vessel movement and neutron shielding.
• Further research and development (R&D) topics and risks have been identified.