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An Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Setup to Investigate the Reactive Species Formation

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Helium Bubble Coalescence in Plasma-Facing Tungsten.

Asanka Weerasinghe¹, Dwaipayan Dasgupta², Brian D Wirth^3,4

¹Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

|June 22, 2026

Summary

Helium bubble coalescence in tungsten plasma-facing components is driven by pressure and proximity. Bubble interactions create channels, facilitating helium flow and accelerating coalescence through defect formation and dislocation emission.

Keywords:

bubble coalescence helium implantation molecular-dynamics simulation plasma-exposed tungsten plasma-facing materials

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Computational Physics
Nuclear Engineering

Background:

Plasma-facing components (PFCs) in fusion reactors experience significant helium implantation.
Helium bubble formation and coalescence impact material integrity and performance.
Understanding helium behavior in tungsten is critical for reactor longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically study helium bubble coalescence in tungsten under fusion reactor conditions.
To investigate the thermodynamics and kinetics governing bubble interactions.
To identify key mechanisms driving coalescence.

Main Methods:

Computational study using molecular statics and molecular dynamics simulations.
Examination of a multidimensional parameter space (size, separation, pressure, growth rate).
Analysis of interaction energetics and coalescence mechanisms.

Main Results:

Bubble interaction described by a square-well potential with a pressure-dependent capture radius.
Dumbbell configurations form at short separations; open channels form when the separating ligament is ~1 atom thick.
Coalescence is accelerated by stress-driven channel formation, Frenkel-pair production, and dislocation emission.

Conclusions:

Helium bubble coalescence in tungsten is a complex process influenced by bubble pressure and inter-bubble distance.
Defect formation and dislocation dynamics play crucial roles in facilitating coalescence.
Findings provide insights into helium retention and material degradation in fusion environments.