Fusion Research

For tokamak fusion research, Hiden Analytical offers specialist quadrupole mass spectrometer systems for fusion fuel analysis, vacuum diagnostics, leak detection and process monitoring. The range includes the DLS-1 for TIMS-based quantitative gas analysis, the DLS-2 and DLS-2X for dual-zone isotope separation of light gases, the DLS-20 for ultra-high-resolution hydrogen and helium isotope analysis, and the HAL 101 X RC for monitoring and analysis in harsh fusion environments.

The DLS-1 operates in Threshold Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) mode for real-time quantitative analysis across the 1-100 amu mass range. TIMS improves selectivity by controlling electron ionisation energy, adding a second analytical dimension beyond mass alone and helping distinguish overlapping species that are difficult to separate using conventional mass analysis only. The DLS-1 provides 0.5 eV electron energy resolution over 0-150 eV and is well suited to fusion fuel purity measurements and related light-gas analysis.

The DLS-2 and DLS-2X are dual-zone switching quadrupole mass spectrometer systems designed for fusion applications where analysis of hydrogen isotopes and deuterated compounds is important. Software-selectable operation in Zone 1 and Zone H combines high-performance residual gas analysis for vacuum diagnostics with high-resolution separation of overlapping light species such as helium in deuterium. Current configurations offer either Zone H to 22.5 amu with 0.02 amu real-time mass separation plus Zone 1 to 100 amu, or Zone H to 10 amu with 0.0065 amu real-time mass separation plus Zone 1 to 44 amu. Sensitivity for both He in D2 and D2 in He is 10 ppm, and the DLS-2X supports remote analyser mounting up to 140 m from sensitive electronics for fusion and other harsh operating environments.

For applications demanding even higher performance, the DLS-20 uses a 20 mm rod diameter quadrupole mass filter with software-switchable dual-zone operation. It provides ultra-high-resolution analysis up to 22.5 amu in Zone H and high-stability operation up to 200 amu in Zone 1, with 0.006 amu real-time mass separation, 1 ppm sensitivity for both He in D2 and D2 in He, and detection of 3He in HD.

For critical monitoring and diagnostics in harsh fusion environments, the HAL 101 X RC provides real-time quantitative residual gas analysis for complex gas and vapour mixtures. The current specification states operation of the quadrupole analyser at distances of up to 140 m from the sensitive electronics and includes the DLS-1 TIMS mode for fusion fuel gas purity measurements, including hydrogen isotopes and deuterium in helium.

Fusion remains one of the most promising long-term routes toward low-carbon power, and Hiden’s quadrupole mass spectrometer systems support that progress with specialist tools for isotope analysis, fuel purity measurement, vacuum diagnostics and operation in demanding tokamak environments.