Key issues in plasma-wall interactions for ITER: a European approach

The first burning fusion plasma experiment based on the tokamak principle, international tokamak experimental reactor (ITER) is now ready for construction. Based on the continuous progress of many years of fusion research, the design relies upon a large and robust set of experimental data. The focus of present day fusion research is therefore shifting towards the issues of ITER plasma operation and machine availability. The latter is governed mainly by plasma-wall interaction issues, in particular the lifetime of plasma-facing components and long-term tritium retention. To coordinate the research activities in this area a task force for plasma-wall interaction (EU-PWI-TF) has been initiated by the European fusion research programme under EFDA. This contribution describes the experimental database in these areas and outlines the task force strategy and further research that will be needed to address the critical issues.