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Abstract: Gamma radiation-induced optical absorption in 75SiO2–22Na2O–3CaO (wt.%) multi-component glass and in the same glass additionally doped with 0.05wt.% CeO2 has been studied, with irradiations performed at 70, 200, and 350°C, 25kGy/h up to a dose of 0.6MGy. For the undoped glass irradiation at 70°C produces strong optical absorption from 700nm down to the UV. Irradiation at 200°C gives a lower level of optical absorption with a similar band composition. No induced optical absorption has been detected after irradiation at 350°C. Annealing at 200°C for 24h completely suppresses the induced optical absorption. Introduction of cerium increases the level of induced absorption in the UV range for irradiation at 70°C, and also creates bands stable up to 350°C. The results show that silica and sapphire, which are considered as main candidate materials for ITER diagnostic windows and other optical components, can potentially be complemented with multi-component silicate glasses. These materials may allow one to control the radioluminescence, and in addition provide a range of refractive indices required for achromatic lenses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The future International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) requires remote handling tools for its maintenance that will operate in a harsh environment. The numerous instrumentation cables for this maintenance equipment call for (de)multiplexing solutions, in order to reduce the umbilical size. Fibre-optic data links, using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components, are seriously considered as a radiation tolerant solution, offering wavelength encoded multiplexing possibilities. However, an adapted modus operandi for a reliable assessment of this evolving technology is needed, to enable their long-term implementation in a radiation environment. In this paper, we present a methodology towards qualification methods for these instrumentation data links, and illustrate it with results obtained for different individual components. These results should enable the future design of robust architectures for communication links. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]