Impact of Ion Interaction and Chemical Environment in the Modifications of Plasma Facing Materials

Project title: Impact of Ion Interaction and Chemical Environment in the Modifications of Plasma Facing Materials
Main applicant: Eduardo Pitthan Filho, Materials Physics
Co-applicants: Andrea Sand, Aalto University and Friedrich Aumayr, TU Wien
Grant amount: SEK 4 000 000 for the period 2026-2029

We will determine mechanisms related to atomic transport of light elements (hydrogen-isotopes, He, B, and O) in the main candidate materials for next generation of fusion devices (W and reduced activation steel) as well as fundamental aspects from these interactions. Both material modifications induced by light ions and the corresponding fundamental nuclear data will be investigated. Our results will improve the understanding of plasma-wall interactions and its potential effects in performance, durability, and safety of future reactors. Results will, not just reduce knowledge gaps, but also enhance predictability of erosion and defect formation processes.

Determination of the modifications of these materials caused by exposure to low energy ion high fluxes and thermal annealing (expected in real devices) will be analyzed by means of in-situ and real time experiments using the unique infrastructure at the Tandem Laboratory National Infrastructure. Detailed ex-situ characterization of formed structures will also be performed and compared to the original materials.

Highly accurate energy deposition in materials for impacting plasma species will be determined experimentally, with focus at low energies where limited data is available and energy loss mechanisms are not well-known. Throughout international collaboration, results will be compared to validate time-dependent density function theory models to improve the understanding of the basic physics behind these interactions.