High heat flux components—Readiness to proceed from near term fusion systems to power plants

A present topic of high interest in magnetic fusion is the “gap” between near-term and long-term concepts for high heat flux components (HHFC), and in particular for divertors. This paper focuses on this issue with the aim of characterizing the international status of current HHFC design concepts for ITER and describing the different technologies needed in the designs being developed for fusion power plants. Critical material and physics aspects are highlighted while evaluating the current readiness level of long-term concepts, identifying the design and R&D gaps, and discussing ways to bridge them.