Development of a bolometry diagnostic for SPARC

• Published in: Review of scientific instruments 2024-08, Vol.95 (8)
• Main Authors: Li, R., Reinke, M. L., Abramovic, I., Boyer, D., Cykman, D., Fox-Widdows, E., Hanson, M. O., Howarth, K., Kulchy, R., Lafleur, C., Lagieski, M., McKanas, S., Myers, C. E., Stein-Lubrano, B., Sweeney, R., Witham, J., Woodall, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bolometers; Cameras; Circuit boards; Conduction heating; Conductive heat transfer; Design; Design optimization; Diagnostic systems; Fluence; Line of sight; Neutron flux; Pinhole cameras; Sensors; Spatial distribution; Stainless steels; Thermal analysis
• ISSN: 0034-6748; 1089-7623; 1089-7623
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0219548

To control and optimize the power of the SPARC tokamak, we require information on the total radiated power of the plasma and its 2D and 3D spatial distribution. The SPARC bolometry diagnostic is being designed and built to measure the radiated power for controlling power balance, investigating the dissipation capabilities of various divertor concepts, and measuring the efficacy of the disruption thermal load mitigation. Proven resistive bolometer sensor technology will be used, with 248 lines of sight integrated into pinhole cameras in 20 different locations. This diversity of views will allow the bolometers to view the core, divertor, and particularly X-points of the plasma with high resolution. 14 of these camera locations are dedicated to 2D equilibrium radiated power, while the remaining six locations are designed to measure 3D radiated energy during disruptions. The bolometer sensor holders, pinhole camera boxes, and cabling have been designed to survive the high neutron flux (but low fluence) and up to 400 °C temperatures seen during operation and vacuum bake. The resistive bolometer sensors use Au absorbers with an Al heat conduction layer and C anti-reflective layer. These sensor chips are wire-bonded to an AlN circuit board, both of which are held inside a custom AlN and stainless steel bolometer holder. Design and optimization of the pinhole camera lines of sight are performed using Cherab. This work details the current state of the design of the SPARC bolometry diagnostic and its interfaces, as well as ongoing work to validate the design.