Prospects for power and particle exhaust with high-temperature liquid lithium divertors

Liquid metals are sometimes considered as an alternative material for plasma-facing components in fusion reactors and experiments. Among the liquid metals, lithium has been used in a number of experimental devices and has received significant attention. A significant question is whether liquid lithium can be used in systems requiring power exhaust as is found in typical power reactor divertors or limiter surfaces. Analysis of two liquid lithium concepts indicates that the maximum surface temperature sustainable in a confinement device. Analysis of the pre-sheath potential drop indicates strong trapping is expected and that electrical contact can be maintained even in strongly ionizing target regions. This is consistent with observations in recent experimental observations.