Potential barrier generation at the BeW interface blocking thermonuclear radiation

BeW is an important medium for radiation protection in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) devices. However, the mechanism for the radiation-protection ability of BeW remains unclear. An extension of the BOLS correlation mechanism [12] into the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has enabled us to examine the energy and charge distribution of the specimen and clarify that the Be 1s and W 4f7/2 energy levels undergo an elevation by 0.136 and 0.184 times those of the respective bulk constituents standing alone up-on BeW compound formation associated with polarization of the valence density of states. It is suggested that the interface potential barrier creation due to bond order distortion and bond nature alteration perturbs essentially the Hamiltonian and hence leads to the binding energy shifts. The established interface potential barrier and the polarized charge may screen the nuclear irradiation in the thermonuclear fusion devices. Findings may provide guideline for searching materials for such purpose.

The establishment of interface potential barrier and the associated valance charge polarization of BeW alloy has been revealed to be responsible for the thermonuclear fusion radiation protection.Research highlights▶ Valence charge polarization and the interface potential barrier creation of BeW alloy could screen the thermonuclear radiation in fusion devices.