The Support for the Scoping of Alternative Measurement Methods to operate within a Nuclear Fusion Environment

UKAEA is issuing this Prior Information Notice (PIN) as a Request for Information (RFI) to gather market intelligence and relevant technical information on the current ideas on alternative ways measurement methods for overcoming challenges around sensing in a harsh environment. Working within the STEP programme, the Control Systems Integration (CSI) work area is looking to support these ambitions by developing its knowledge of the necessary plant control systems and potential requirements of a Fusion Power Plant (FPP). As part of this, there is significant challenge in providing the necessary sensors for the control and monitoring of the plasma relevant aspects of the power plant. This specifically relates to the sensors and associated equipment required to operate within the harsh environment in and around the fusion machine (tokamak) itself. With the greatest risk being around the ability to provide the necessary measurements within a radiative environment.