LAUSR

Focused ion beam surface preparation for plasma facing materials Tungsten is one of the most important nuclear fusion structural materials for use as a plasma facing component in fusion reactors. However, in a critical range of temperatures a unique surface morphology known as “nanofuzz” forms when exposed to He-containing plasma. The so-called nanofuzz grows with increased exposure times, yet the tendrils remain in the size range of 10s of nanometers of diameter, forming a many-microns thick layer [1]. Understanding the exact formation mechanism of nanofuzz requires identifying structures and surface morphology within the top 10 nanometers of a tungsten sample after exposure to various He plasma and temperature conditions.