Technical division

This unit, which shares a workshop with LULI, brings together two staff members with complementary expertise in design engineering and mechanical manufacturing.

Main missions include:

• Design and fabrication of custom parts for reactor adaptation and modification;

• Production of opto-mechanical components and specific mechanical adaptations;

• Daily use of 3D printing for additive manufacturing.

Tools and software:

• CAD software: SolidWorks and CATIA

• Mikron VCE800 Pro CNC machine:

  • Capacity: X = 800 mm, Y = 500 mm, Z = 540 mm

  • Maximum speed: 10,000 rpm

  • Tool magazine: 20 positions

Example of a SolidWorks design:
Vacuum chamber for a laboratory practical setup for Master’s students in the PPF program, designed to:

• Introduce electrostatic probes in cold plasmas under conditions similar to industrial applications;

• Compare different types of probes used for electron density measurements;

• Understand common pitfalls when using Langmuir probes.

• Example of a CATIA design: Three-axis manipulator for beam diagnostics and a Faraday cage manipulator in a negative ion jet.

• Mikron VCE800 Pro CNC machine (X = 800 mm, Y = 500 mm, Z = 540 mm, 10,000 rpm, 20 tools)

• This unit ensures the operational maintenance of electronic systems used in experiments and develops new instrumentation.

• Its activities include:

  • Development of acquisition systems for real-time plasma monitoring and data archiving;

  • Design of electronic boards for signal generation, modulation (amplitude/frequency), and synchronization;

  • Automated delay management within acquisition chains.

• This unit is managed by a research engineer specializing in cold plasmas. It covers a broad range of expertise and interventions.

• Main missions:

  • Support for researchers in the installation, modification, and monitoring of experimental setups;

  • Assistance with experimental data acquisition;

  • Implementation of diagnostic equipment based on vacuum technologies, electrical probes, and associated measurement systems.

• Recent achievements:

  • Design and implementation of a calibration bench for pressure gauges and gas flow meters (internally funded and supported by EUR PLASMAScience);

  • Ongoing development of a dedicated laboratory bench for practical training on electrostatic probes.