In situ dust detection in fusion devices

Abstract

Diagnostics for monitoring dust in tokamaks during plasma discharges, both established and currently being developed, are discussed with a focus on the range of dust parameters they can detect. Visible imaging can currently be used for dust particles bigger than a few µm and velocities below 1 km s−1. The dust impact ionization phenomenon can be used for the detection of particles with velocities above a few km s−1. Laser light scattering gives an insight into the amount of sub-micron dust. Aerogels, light porous materials, allow capturing of dust particles without destroying them and determining their velocity. Other methods include the microbalance technique and electrostatic dust detectors. A recent suggestion to use the effects of dust on collective scattering for diagnostic purposes is also discussed.