Publications Details
Fabrication and assembly of BOLVAPS (boil-off lithium vapor source) ceramic-option half anodes
In order to generate a lithium vapor on the anode surface within PBFA II, an electrically insulating, lithium-coated substrate is required. One approach for providing this lithium source is the ceramic-option anode. This anode consists of two halves, equatorially split, each containing an insulating ceramic insert onto which a lithium-bearing film is sputtered. A lithium vapor is generated by ohmically pulse heating this film to 1500 K. The half-anode structure required to produce this vapor consists of a ceramic insulator, steel housing, and disk conductors. This report describes the design and fabrication of these separate components and the procedures required to join them to form the half-anode assembly. In addition, appendices are included which contain detailed drawings and specifications for these operations. 5 refs., 10 figs.