A New Generation Filterscope for Remote Visualization and Analysis of High Temperature Plasma

摘要

In current fusion experiments, high temperature plasmas are formed using very strong magnetic fields, resulting in high radiation environments near the experiment. The high radiation levels, along with the intense magnetic fields, can inject noise into diagnostic signals near the experiment. Therefore, researchers are motivated to locate noise-sensitive instrumentation remotely whenever feasible. ORNL's Fusion Energy Division developed an initial implementation of a remote visible spectroscopic instrument known as the Filterscope. This instrument has become an essential fusion research diagnostics tool for characterizing the interaction between the plasma and the experiment wall. In an effort to reduce cost and simplify implementation, a newer generation of Filterscopes has recently been developed. This next-generation Filterscope will be implemented on the TEXTOR facility (Julich, Germany) in the coming months and new diagnostic methods will be tested. The sophistication of the hardware design, the techniques used for debugging and testing, and the data acquisition and instrument control software reflect leading-edge trends in instrumentation technology.