Description
The Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy workstation at UKAEA-MRF consists of an ultra-high vacuum furnace setup coupled to a high-accuracy mass spectroscopy system. This allows for studies of the rate of desorption of gases contained in a sample. The system at UKAEA-MRF has been extensively used for exhaustive Deuterium and Tritium retention studies of samples from the first wall of JET (Joint European Torus) fusion reactor at Culham. Furthermore, the Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy setup has been successfully used for H isotopes and He retention studies in the range of materials, including metals, ceramics and coatings.
Uses / Applications
The system is used for measurements of hydrogen isotopes and helium retention studies in solids, including metals, ceramics and coatings.

Specification
Hiden Analytical Ltd – TPD Workstation type 640100.
Hiden Analytical HAL/3F RC 1051-9 PIC mass spectrometer.
Burle 4871H channeltron electron multiplier mounted at line-of-sight orientation.
The system is calibrated to allow quantitative measurements of H, D, T and He contents.
The system can be tuned to allow mass separation of He and D2.
Mass scans in the range 1-50 amu.
Maximum sample size: 14x14x3 mm.
Heating from room temperature to 1000°C.
Heater temperatures fully programmed for ramp rates, hold patterns etc.
A linear ramp rate 1-20K/min.
Surface temperature measured using a thermocouple.
The system can be used with beryllium, beryllium-containing and tritium-containing samples.
Tritium activity limit is 1 GBq.