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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 March 2011
The microstructures of tungsten, molybdenum and copper wires used as Langmuir probes at ISTTOK edge plasma have been investigated. The probes cross-sections evidenced extensive grain growth, intergranular bubbles and increased hardness at the plasma exposed regions. Internal surfaces of large bubbles exhibited slip bands resulting from plastic deformation induced by high H2 pressure. Elastic recoil detection analysis was used to measure H concentration profiles. The present results suggest that H2 bubble formation in first wall components under long-term high thermal loads should be closely monitored in nuclear fusion devices. Strategies for H damage mitigation are proposed and discussed.