Development of a variable baseline type distance sensor in the high radiation environment

Oka, Kiyoshi; Hiyama, Masayuki*

Remote maintenance technology is essential to realize ITER since the reactor components are activated by 14-MeV neutrons and have to be maintained remotely. For this purpose, the JAERI has been conducting remote handling technology development mainly for in-vessel components. On the other hand, a critical accident at the JCO occurred in September 1999, which was the most serious nuclear accident in Japan. Therefore, the JAERI has developed a Radiation-proof Robot (called RaBOT) operating under high radiation field. Under such a background, a variable baseline type distance sensor has been developed for use under the severe conditions such as gamma radiation. The aim of the sensor is to be used for the measurement of the distance between a robot and an object under the severe conditions of the maintenance for fusion plants and atomic disaster. This report describes the outline of the variable baseline type distance sensor and the results of the basic performance test.