A radiation-hard, steady state, digital imaging bolometer system

The concept and design of a new type of bolometer system which can function with excellent spatial resolution and good time resolution in the next generation of long-pulse (or steady state), harsh-neutron environment, fusion plasmas, is outlined. It uses a cooled pinhole-camera design, employing a robust, passive, segmented radiation absorber. In one scenario, IR emission from the absorberʹs front surface is relayed by metal mirror optics to a shielded, high resolution IR video camera with ±0.01°C temperature resolution. In a second scenario, the matrix is viewed from its back side, in order to eliminate any extraneous IR radiation from the vessel or plasma. The system can make thousands of simultaneous `pixelʹ measurements at up to 50–60 Hz, with no wire leads through the vacuum interface.