Fusion Futures: 2D and 3D Analysis of Ceramic to Metal Bonding for High Heat Flux Components

Tender description

The objective of this work package is to analyse the ceramic to metal bonding used in the microwave sources on joints that encounters excessively high thermal flux loads. The work scope envisioned is for a supplier with the capabilities of utilising 3D x-ray tomography, Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) and an SEM with the capability of thermal and mechanical testing with simultaneous microstructural observations with both spatial and temporal resolution capabilities (hereafter referred to as specialist SEM). Lot 1: The objective of this work package is to develop microwave vacuum windows for either circular or rectangular waveguide. There will be two general applications in which a ceramic is inserted into a waveguide or metallic wall: • Standard WR-## rectangular waveguide • Small circular or rectangular window with ceramic having a high index of refraction) The bonding should be compatible with ultra-high vacuum applications with leak rates kept below 10-9mbar/(l•s) The ceramic material is to be determined based on the suppliers capability, materials index of refraction and microwave transmission efficiency over the range of 25 to 400GHz. The metallic material is preferred to be either Aluminium (allow 6061 or 6062) and copper (CuCrZr). The estimated budget for this is £50,000. This piece of work is required to be completed by March 2025, it is anticipated that this contract will be 8 months long.