Tender: Concept Design of Laser-Induced Desorption System to Measure Tritium Retention in STEP First Wall

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UK Fusion Energy Ltd (UKFE) is seeking a supplier for the concept design of a laser-induced desorption system to perform in‑situ quantification of tritium retention within plasma-facing (first wall) materials for the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme. STEP, sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and delivered by UKFE (a wholly owned subsidiary of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority), aims to design and construct the UK's first prototype fusion power plant demonstrating net energy production, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance. The required concept design must address operation in the demanding fusion environment, including constraints such as neutron radiation, strong magnetic fields, thermal loading, limited installation space and exposure to radioactive materials. This procurement covers the initial concept design phase, with outputs expected to inform later detailed design, technology maturation, de-risking and testing and the potential development of an integrated tritium measurement system for deployment within the STEP tokamak.