for over 30 years<\/a>. Established in the early 1990s, TLK focuses on developing the deuterium-tritium fuel cycle technologies essential for nuclear fusion.<\/p>\nWith a handling license for 40 grams of tritium and a closed tritium cycle which allows to recuperate all tritium from any experiments at virtually no losses, TLK stands out globally for its extensive facilities and broad expertise. The lab’s infrastructure supports numerous high-purity tritium experiments, facilitated by over 20 specialised gloveboxes within a 1600 m\u00b2 area.<\/p>\n
A diverse team of about 50 scientists, engineers, technicians, students and administrative staff is running the infrastructure and conducting research.<\/p>\n
Innovative research at the Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe<\/h3>\n TLK’s notable achievements include contributions to the ITER project and hosting the Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino Experiment (KATRIN), which has gained international recognition for its work in direct neutrino mass measurement.<\/p>\n
As of mid-2024, KATRIN has completed over 1000 days of tritium circulation, handling a total of tens of kilograms of tritium at the highest purity.<\/p>\n
Beyond that, TLK is advancing the development of a novel source for upcoming neutrino mass experiments centred around a large accumulation of magnetically trapped tritium atoms.<\/p>\n
Fusion-related research at the TLK is organised into four strategic areas:<\/p>\n
\nTritium properties and material interactions<\/strong>: This area focuses on understanding tritium’s physical and chemical properties, including its viscosity and solubility in materials, which are critical for designing fusion reactor components.<\/li>\nTritium and hydrogen analytics and accountancy<\/strong>: TLK develops advanced analytical methods and comprehensive accountancy strategies to accurately monitor and manage tritium in fusion reactors, which is essential for regulatory compliance.<\/li>\nTritium qualification of processes and scaling-up of systems<\/strong>: The laboratory bridges the gap between small-scale experiments and industrial-scale applications, developing technologies like permeation barriers and isotope separation systems to enhance tritium recycling.<\/li>\nTritium decontamination, safety and waste management<\/strong>: TLK is pioneering end-of-life solutions for tritium-contaminated components, including UV\/ozone cleaning and advanced vacuum furnace treatments to minimise waste.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nTLK is a crucial player in European tritium research, dedicated to solving fundamental challenges and developing technologies for a safe, efficient, and economical tritium fuel cycle.<\/p>\n
In addition to driving forward technological research, TLK is dedicated to training and building the knowledge of the future workforce and tritium experts today.<\/p>\n
TLK\u2019s work is vital as the world moves towards the commercial realisation of fusion energy<\/a> as a partner for public and private research.<\/p>\nRESEARCH INTERESTS<\/h3>\n\nTritium handling<\/li>\n Tritium properties and material interactions<\/li>\n Tritium and hydrogen analytics and accountancy<\/li>\n Tritium qualification of processes and scaling-up of systems<\/li>\n Tritium decontamination, safety and waste management<\/li>\n Tritium-based neutrino mass experiments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe is at the forefront of tritium technology for astroparticle physics experiments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":49904,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"partner_category":[2],"partner_tag":[24632,24415,247,15821],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Tritium research for astroparticle physics & fusion<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n