Neutron Diagnostics in the Large Helical Device

Abstract

The deuterium operation of the large helical device (LHD) began in March 7, 2017, after long-term preparation and commissioning of apparatuses necessary for execution of the deuterium experiment. A comprehensive set of neutron diagnostics was developed and installed onto LHD through numerous efforts in preparation. Neutron diagnostics play an essential role in both neutron yield management for the radiation safety and extension of energetic-particle physics study in LHD. Neutron flux monitor (NFM) characterized by fast-response and wide dynamic range capabilities is successfully working. Total neutron emission rate reached 3.3 × 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">15</sup> (n/s) in the first deuterium campaign of LHD. The highest neutron emission rate was recorded in inward shifted configuration. Neutron yield evaluated by neutron activation system agrees with neutron yield measured with NFM. Performance of vertical neutron camera was demonstrated. Neutron emission profile was inwardly shifted in the inwardly shifted configuration, whereas it was outwardly shifted in the outwardly configuration. Secondary deuterium-tritium neutrons produced by triton burnup in LHD deuterium plasmas were detected for the first time in stellarator/heliotron devices in the world. Similar to total neutron emission rate, the inward shifted configuration provided highest triton burnup ratio.