Jülich endoscope for Wendelstein 7-X delivers first image
An important tool for the Jülich research programme on plasma wall interactions at Wendelstein 7-X is a set of optical instruments allowing for local observation of the divertor area in the range of infrared up to UV. For this purpose, researchers have developed an endoscope which transfers the light collected at the plasma boundary via a set of mirrors with complex shape out of the stellarator for evaluation with cameras and spectrometers.
An important tool for the Jülich research programme on plasma wall interactions at Wendelstein 7-X is a set of optical instruments allowing for local observation of the divertor area in the range of infrared up to UV. For this purpose, researchers have developed an endoscope which transfers the light collected at the plasma boundary via a set of mirrors with complex shape out of the stellarator for evaluation with cameras and spectrometers. Apart from challenging environment conditions, the rotatable first mirror allowing observing various regions is a major challenge.
The first test of a first endoscope assembled verified the optical transmission as expected from numerical modelling. A perfect transfer of data from optical model via CAD model up to manufacturing data for CNC machines, appropriate tolerances, and accurate manufacturing, testing and assembly allowed for this success.
Image (left) of a light bulb filament (right) transferred via endoscope (mirrors in casing) in the test.
The application of the first endoscope is foreseen for Wendelstein 7-X operating phase in 2018
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