Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization Unveils Four Knowledge-Based Achievements
Three tokamak plasma-diagnostic systems and a non-destructive testing laboratory have been launched during Government Week, according to IRNA.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization has unveiled and launched three domestically developed tokamak plasma-diagnostic systems and a non-destructive testing laboratory. The systems measure electron temperature, radiative energy loss and ion temperature, while the laboratory provides inspection, training, qualification and engineering services for the nuclear industry and other sectors, according to IRNA.
**TEHRAN —** Four knowledge-based achievements developed by Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization were unveiled and put into operation during Government Week, according to Iran’s Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
The ceremony was attended by Mohammad Eslami, Iran’s vice president and head of the Atomic Energy Organization, along with senior managers from the country’s nuclear industry. The projects include three systems for diagnosing plasma in tokamaks—the photoelectron, bolometry and charge-exchange systems—as well as a specialized laboratory for non-destructive testing, known as NDT.
The projects are intended to strengthen domestic technical capabilities in plasma measurement, tokamak research and industrial inspection. IRNA described the achievements as the result of sustained work, specialized teamwork and cooperation between the public sector, knowledge-based companies, and scientific and research centers.
### Measuring electron temperature with the photoelectron system
The photoelectron system is a knowledge-based product designed to measure the electron temperature of tokamak plasma. According to the report, it is intended for use in the development of future tokamaks in the country and their potential energy-production applications.
The system is a non-contact diagnostic instrument. It determines the temperature of plasma electrons by measuring the energy and characteristics of X-rays emitted from the plasma. This approach allows researchers to obtain information about plasma conditions without direct contact with the high-temperature plasma itself.
### Bolometry for assessing plasma energy loss
The bolometry system was designed and manufactured domestically for the first time, IRNA reported. It measures the power lost by tokamak plasma and can be used to optimize plasma performance.
Bolometry is a diagnostic technique used in many tokamaks to measure energy losses associated with radiation emitted by confined plasma. The report said that the technique’s flexible structure has led to its widespread use, including in major tokamaks such as KSTAR, EAST and JT-60U.
Like the photoelectron system, the domestically produced bolometry system is intended for use in future tokamaks associated with energy production in Iran, according to the report.
### Charge-exchange system for measuring plasma ions
The charge-exchange system was also designed and manufactured in Iran for the first time, according to IRNA. The knowledge-based system is capable of measuring ions in tokamak plasma and is intended for use in future tokamak energy-production projects.
Charge-exchange diagnostics are used in many modern tokamaks to measure plasma temperature. More specifically, the system is designed to determine the temperature of plasma ions by using neutral atoms.
Together, the three plasma-diagnostic systems provide tools for examining key characteristics of tokamak plasma: electron temperature, energy lost through radiation and ion temperature. Such measurements are central to monitoring and optimizing plasma performance, although the report did not provide technical specifications, performance data or details about the systems’ deployment schedule.
### Non-destructive testing laboratory begins operations
The fourth project is a laboratory dedicated to non-destructive testing. The facility has been established as a specialized center for testing, inspection, training and competency assessment, with the aim of providing technical and engineering services to industries across the country.
The laboratory uses specialized equipment, experienced personnel and standardized procedures to assess the condition of equipment, components and materials without damaging them. Its services cover several major non-destructive testing methods, including visual testing, penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing and eddy-current testing.
According to the report, the laboratory will also organize training courses for units across the nuclear industry and conduct qualification examinations for personnel under ISO/IEC 9712 standards. The facility is expected to provide specialist advice and carry out specialized non-destructive testing for industries including aviation, power generation, the oil sector and gas companies.
The laboratory will additionally offer digital industrial radiography for special projects and sensitive components where film-based radiography is not feasible. It will inspect companies seeking to organize non-destructive testing courses and issue authorizations for such courses in different industries.
### A platform for specialized industrial services
The four projects combine research and diagnostic capabilities with practical inspection services. The tokamak systems are focused on collecting information about plasma behavior, while the NDT laboratory is designed to support the assessment, maintenance and qualification of industrial equipment and personnel.
IRNA characterized the initiatives as an example of cooperation between government bodies, knowledge-based companies and academic and research institutions. The report said the projects create a basis for delivering advanced and specialized services to a range of industries.
The announcement did not include financial details, independent technical evaluations or information about the companies and research centers involved. It also did not specify the operational capacity of the systems or the laboratory beyond the services described in the report.