KU1 quartz glass for remote handling and LIDAR diagnostic optical transmission systems

KU1 quartz glass, a radiation-resistant material, is being considered for u se in different fusion applications such as remote handling optical transmi ssion components and diagnostic windows. Gamma (Co-60) and 1.8 MeV electron irradiations have been carried out to study the ionizing radiation-induced optical absorption in this material. The results show that while the optic al absorption induced by irradiation in the KU1 silica is acceptable for th e remote handling optical transmission components, this is not the case wit h diagnostic window applications, where background absorption may pose a pr oblem for LIDAR. However, this disadvantage may be minimised by pre-irradia tion at about 200 degreesC. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reser ved.