A review of the joining techniques for plasma facing components in fusion reactors

An attempt was made to review the current joining techniques being considered for the ITER plasma facing components (PFC). This review describes the general characteristics of two of the joining techniques (brazing and diffusion bonding) being used to join a beryllium armor to a copper alloy heat sink and describes the issues associated with these joining processes. Much of the information is relevant to the other ITER material candidates. Most important is a list of the relevant activities either completed or in progress addressing the beryllium-copper joining issues.