Additive manufacture of plasma diagnostics for fusion energy sciences

There is now a well-established set of plasma diagnostic, however each time a new diagnostic is needed, it is designed from the ground up, sometimes delegated to experimental student researchers whose first experience of plasma physics is spent winding coils or aligning optical components. Diagnostics remain one of the most expensive subsystems in any fusion system, and time for diagnostic development can sometimes pace the system being built. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is developing rapidly, including open source designs for some optical components [1]. These basics components can be printed for 1/100th the usual cost. Additive manufacturing is now capturing the attention of leaders in the fusion community around the world efforts underway in the EU in the AMAZE project [2] [3] aim to print up low cost sub-components in the fusion assembly. During Phase I the most accurate methods for additive manufacture will be examined for purpose of building vacuum-compatible, other high performance, and multi-material diagnostics. Staged examined to significantly impact cost of standard optical components that can be printed pre-aligned and for magnetics systems. Design of packaged or multipurpose diagnostics using technology at the forefront of additive manufacturing will be assessed. Additionally, printing of circuit boards and other electronics for use in control systems will be explored. In Phase II, additive manufacturing technology for novel materials, multi-materials, and tolerance required for manufacture of most, if not all major diagnostic systems will be developed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Providing the ability to purchase pre-aligned, unique, optical systems for a range of diagnostic and sensor applications will have a large market beyond plasma physics (instrumentation/sensor market worldwide).