In this research work, we use new advanced detector materials. The material properties beneficial for alpha induced activation are (i) moderate neutron cross-sections (ii) ultra-high purity which reduces neutron-induced background activation and (iii) isotopic tailoring which increases the activation yield of the measured activation product.
Two samples were obtained from GERDA, an experiment aimed at measuring the neutrinoless double beta decay in 76Ge. These samples, made of highly pure (9 N) germanium highly enriched to 87 % in isotope Ge-76, were irradiated in real D-D fusion plasma conditions inside the TEXTOR tokamak. Comparison of the calculated and the experimentally measured activity shows good agreement. Compared to previously investigated high temperature ceramic material , this candidate detector offers better prospects for signal to background S/B ratio, energy resolution and particle selectivity due to a unique alpha particle signature. Applicability to ITER is discussed. Finally, research needs for further development of this diagnostic technique are outlined.