Diagnostics for steady state plasmas

Problems related to the development of diagnostics for steady state fusion plasma experiments are being discussed.The paper concentrates on those necessities already appearing in nowadays non-burning plasma fusion experiments when extending pulse lengths beyond 10 s, i.e. thermal load, erosion, deposition, and long-time signal integration in magnetic diagnostics.Problems arising from high power ECRH under conditions of incomplete absorption are outlined.Individual standard diagnostic systems are discussed to identify their specific problems as well as the opportunities connected with long pulse operation.Burning plasma experiments characterized by intense n-and g-radiation are briefly reviewed for reasons of completeness, dealing with radiation induced processes in windows, fibres, cables, and mirrors.Methods of data handling, real time monitoring, and plasma control are outlined.