LIBS for tokamak plasma facing components characterisation: Perspectives on in situ tritium cartography

Feasibility of in situ LIBS remote measurements with the plasma facing components (PFCs) from the European tokamaks (TORE SUPRA, CEA Cadarache, France and TEXTOR, Julich, Germany) has been studied in laboratory using Q-switched nanosecond Nd–YAG lasers. LIBS particular properties and optimal parameters were determined for in-depth PFCs characterisation. The LIBS method was in situ tested on the Joint European Torus (JET) in the UK with the EDGE LIDAR Laser System (Ruby laser, 3 J, 690 nm wavelength, 300 ps pulse duration, intensity up to 70 GW/cm2). Several analytical spectral lines of H, CII, CrI, and BeII in plasma were observed and identified in 400–600 nm spectral range with the optimised LIBS and detection system. The LIBS in-depth cartography is in agreement with the surface properties of the tile under analysis, thus confirming feasibility of in situ LIBS. Further LIBS technique improvements required to provide tritium concentration measurements more accurately are discussed.