Fusion reactor materials and components: Issues related to radioactivity and radiation induced effects

A concise overview is given on materials applied in fusion technology. The influence of plasma operation on the behaviour of reactor components and diagnostic systems is discussed with emphasis on effects caused by fast particles reaching the reactor wall. Issues related to primary and induced radioactivity are reviewed: tritium inventory and transmutation. Tritium breeding in the reactor blanket, separation of hydrogen isotopes and safety aspects in handling radio-contaminated components are also addressed.