Plasma Facing Components

Plasma Facing Components (PFCs) are the primary surface that plasma sees in the plasma machine. They are also referred to as “First Wall,” as their primary function is to handle plasma heat flux and protect the metal parts of the machine structure from damaging plasma heat during plasma discharges. PFCs are also designed to limit impurities entering into the plasma, which contaminate plasma and may contribute to loss of plasma control.

In addition to heat loads, various other loads influence the PFC design. For example, electromagnetic (EM) loads are Lorentz forces acting upon the conductive structure of the plasma machine during transient EM events such as plasma disruptions. The material selected for these components must be vacuum compatible and capable of handling thermomechanical stresses to ensure reliable plasma operations.

At PPPL, teams of engineers, analysts and technicians work together to come up with an innovative and robust design solution for all these components. As these designs are unique for each plasma device, design goes through rigorous reviews and testing prior to installation.