This article was originally published on 5th June 2019 and has been updated to reflect the latest industry research.
Fusion energy is one of the most ambitious scientific frontiers, with the potential to provide an abundant, sustainable, safe, and environmentally considerate energy source. Unlike nuclear fission, fusion produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions and radioactive waste. However, achieving sustained fusion requires strict control over fuel source purity and stability, making quantitative high resolution mass separation of isotopes an essential analysis capability. Experimental reactors, like tokamaks, stellarators, and inertial confinement fusion (ICF) systems, operate under extreme conditions, where even trace impurities in hydrogen fuel can impact performance. Real-time analysis of hydrogen isotopes, helium byproducts, and light gases is crucial for optimising reactions and ensuring plasma integrity. To support these demands, Hiden Analytical’s DLS Series quadrupole mass spectrometers provide high-resolution residual gas analysis (RGA). Thus, they offer researchers the precision needed to study fusion fuel behaviour.
The Role of Gas Analysis in Fusion Science
Plasma, the ionised gas where fusion reactions occur, must be carefully controlled to sustain energy production. The success of fusion research depends on the ability to monitor and refine fuel composition, ensuring that deuterium (D₂) and tritium (T₂) react efficiently while minimising impurities that could interfere with plasma stability.
Residual gas analysis provides real time insight into hydrogen isotopes, helium-4 (⁴He), and fusion reaction byproducts, allowing researchers to measure the effect of changing fuel mixtures. Precise monitoring enables:
- Fuel cycle optimisation: Maintaining the correct deuterium-tritium ratio.
- Impurity detection: Preventing disruptions that could destabilise the plasma.
- Plasma-material interaction studies: Identifying outgassing from reactor walls and other structural components.
Quadrupole mass analysers are an essential analytical instrument for nuclear fusion research. Their ultra-high mass resolution capability, coupled with high sensitivity and measurement stability enable critical parameters to be investigated and optimised for fusion to sustainably occur.
DLS-1: High-Sensitivity Residual Gas Analysis for Fusion Research
A compact and high-performance mass spectrometer, the DLS-1 is designed for real-time gas analysis in fusion research applications. This system provides sub-ppm detection of hydrogen isotopes and deuterated compounds. Helium-4 and deuterium are deconvoluted using its unique Appearance Potential Soft Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (APSI-MS) mode, allowing for the identification of helium-4 and deuterium at nominal mass 4amu. A software template is also included with this instrument to give the user simplified data acquisition capability. Moreover, the extended high resolution mass range up to 100amu allows typical trace contaminants and deuterated compounds to be detected and analysed.
Key Capabilities
- Mass Range: 1–100 AMU
- Electron Energy Resolution: 0.5 eV between 0eV and 150eV for precision isotope separation
- Magnetic and radiation shielding options for high magnetic field strength and energetic particle flux environments
- Threshold Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) for enhanced deuterium and helium separation analysis
Applications in Fusion Research
- Fuel Purity Monitoring: Tracks contaminants that may affect plasma conditions.
- Tokamak and Stellarator Gas Analysis: Provides real-time monitoring of residual gases in the reactor chamber.
- Material Outgassing Studies: Identifies gas emissions from plasma-facing components.
Unlike traditional time-of-flight mass analysers, the DLS-1 leverages quadrupole mass analysers to achieve precise gas separation. This makes the DLS-1 a powerful solution for continuous diagnostics in fusion technology research.
DLS-10: Ultra-High-Resolution Hydrogen Isotope Separation
Accurate mass separation of hydrogen isotopes is essential in fusion research applications. The DLS-10 is capable of ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry. It’s able to ensure researchers can distinguish between deuterium and helium-4 with unmatched precision.
Key Capabilities
- Mass Range: 1–10 AMU
- Resolution: Down to 0.006 AMU full width at half maximum (FWHM)
- Triple Mass Filter Design: For enhanced abundance sensitivity and performance lifetime
- Dual Detection System: Faraday cup & electron multiplier for expanded dynamic range
- Electron Impact Ioniser: Contains twin “burn-out resistant” oxide-coated filaments
Applications in Fusion Research
- Fusion Fuel Optimisation: Measures precise isotope ratios to quantify deuterium and helium-4 fuel mixtures
- Residual Gas Analysis (RGA): Detects helium byproducts and low mass species in fusion research
The DLS-10 utilises advanced quadrupole technology, using electrostatic potential fields to achieve ion beam control and the deselection of undesired ions. Hiden Analytical Triple Filter (3F) technology boasts advanced trajectory stability by combatting fringing electric fields that are induced at the entrance and exits of the quadrupole field, enabling greatly improved performance all round. The ultra-high mass resolution capability in this mass range makes the DLS-10 a vital tool for fuel cycle refinement in fusion energy research.
DLS-20: Dual-Zone Operation for Comprehensive Fusion Gas Analysis
Made for advanced fusion diagnostics, the DLS-20 features an industry-unique 20 mm quadrupole mass filter and a dual-zone operational mode, helping researchers to switch between ultra-high-resolution isotope separation and extended mass spectrometry capabilities.
Key Capabilities
- Dual-Zone Operation: Zone H offers ultra-high resolution up to 22.5 AMU and is optimised for hydrogen isotope separation. Zone I delivers high-resolution analysis up to 200 AMU, covering a broader mass range.
- Resolution: Down to 0.005 AMU FWHM
- High-Frequency RF Voltage Generator: For improved mass peak stability
Applications in Fusion Research
- Fuel Cycle Diagnostics: Quantifies fusion fuels, reaction byproducts, and isotopic compositions
- Torus Vessel Conditioning: Analyses the surface chemistry of plasma facing components, enabling the quantification of deuterated hydrocarbons and more
The DLS-20 delivers unparalleled accuracy in fusion gas analysis, having the capability to provide researchers with a comprehensive mass spectrometry solution.
The DLS Series Can Support Your Fusion Research Needs
Breakthroughs in fusion energy demand cutting-edge analytical tools. To uncover how Hiden Analytical’s DLS-1, DLS-10, and DLS-20 can advance your fusion research analysis, visit our DLS series product page or contact our team of experts today.
EQP Plasma Analysis
If sampling directly from gaseous plasma ions is required, then Hiden’s flagship Electrostatic Quadrupole Plasma (EQP-20) Analyser can perform continuous real-time analysis for a range of plasma primary ion energies with excellent sensitivity and accuracy. Operation of the quadrupole in Zone H with combined energy sector field filtering allows for the characterisation of hydrogen isotope plasmas in fusion research studies. Find out more information about the EQP series on our website.
