Measurements of ion temperature and density as a function of position are required to study particle and power balance in the National Spherical Torus Experiment for Fusion Energy Sciences program. Spatially resolved, high resolution measurements of X-ray spectra can provide this information. This project will design and develop a high resolution imaging spectrometer that provides information on plasma conditions simultaneously over a large number of chords through the plasma. The spectrometer design relies on the unique collimation properties of spherically bent crystals at Bragg angles close to 45o. Phase I will develop a technique to produce highly precise, spherically bent crystals. The X-ray imaging properties of crystals bent in this manner will be measured, and a preliminary design for a high resolution imaging spectrometer using such crystals will be generated.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: High resolution imaging spectrometers should be useful in general plasma research. A compact, economical collimating system should also have applicability to the X-ray lithography of specialized integrated circuits.
