Materials research and radiation environment simulation

This work is examining the effects of the fusion reactor environment on surface and near-surface regions of reactor structures and the influence of plasma-wall interactions on the plasma. Ions, neutral particles, neutrons, photons and electrons from the plasma will interact with exposed surfaces to produce effects such as physical and chemical sputtering, desorption, blistering, and re-emission. Material which leaves the wall due to these effects may then enter the plasma and cause loss of plasma energy through bremsstrahlung or line radiation. Erosion will weaken structural integrity and may adversely influence surfaces exposed to coolant in the cooling channels