LIBS for Fusion Applications: In-Situ Laser Diagnostics of Plasma-Facing Components

In my presentation, I will discuss the advantages and limitations of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for in-situ diagnostics of plasma-facing components and fusion-relevant materials [1]. In-situ analysis of fuel retention, erosion, material deposition, and depth profiling of plasma-facing components in a fusion reactor remains a critical and challenging task. LIBS has emerged as a robust and efficient method for real-time material quantification. Its simplicity and adaptability make it well-suited for monitoring components exposed to extreme conditions, such as those within a fusion reactor [2]. Its features, such as minimal sample preparation, multi-elemental analytical capability, flexibility to operate in both vacuum and gas environments, and the ability to provide depth-resolved, element-specific observations, further solidify its role as a valuable diagnostic tool for plasma-facing components. Additionally, I will highlight our solutions to address some of the limitations of traditional LIBS. These include hybrid LIBS setups such as Microwave-Assisted LIBS and Laser-Induced Fluorescence-Enhanced LIBS, which significantly enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of material analysis [3].

[1] Cong Li et al. “Review of LIBS application in nuclear fusion technology”. In: Frontiers of Physics 11 (2016), pp. 1–16.
[2] Gulab Singh Maurya et al. “A review of the LIBS analysis for the plasma-facing components diagnostics”. In: Journal of Nuclear Materials 541 (2020), p. 152417.
[3] Shweta Soni et al. “Phosphorus quantification in soil using LIBS assisted by laser-induced fluorescence”. In: Heliyon 9.6 (2023).