SLAC Joins Forces with Leading Institutions to Advance Fusion Energy Research

SLAC Joins Forces with Leading Institutions to Advance Fusion Energy Research
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 08, 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a collaboration between SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Colorado State University (CSU), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and other esteemed institutions. This partnership is set to establish two inertial fusion science and technology hubs, marking a significant milestone in the quest for clean and abundant energy sources.

Under the DOE's Inertial Fusion Energy Science and Technology Accelerator Research (IFE-STAR) program, a total of $42 million has been allocated to support these hubs, which will accelerate research and development efforts in the field of inertial fusion.

The primary goal of these hubs is to build upon last year's success at LLNL's National Ignition Facility, where fusion ignition was achieved. Now, the focus shifts towards the development of laser and target systems capable of firing more frequently and generating increased energy output.

According to SLAC and Stanford professor Siegfried Glenzer, deputy director of the internal fusion science and technology RISE hub, SLAC's expertise in high-repetition-rate X-ray laser experiments positions them uniquely to contribute to this goal. These experiments are conducted at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS).

The RISE hub, led by CSU and co-led by SLAC, will delve into the design of inertial fusion energy concepts, conduct theory and experiments related to laser fusion drivers, and develop fusion targets.

Another crucial hub, led by LLNL and named the Science and Technology Accelerated Research for Fusion Innovation and Reactor Engineering (STARFIRE), will focus on the development of high-gain target designs, target manufacturing, and solid-state laser technologies.

Within the STARFIRE hub, SLAC will play a pivotal role by providing detailed system requirements for various inertial fusion energy concepts, as explained by Alan Fry, project director for SLAC's Matter in Extreme Conditions Petawatt Upgrade (MEC-U). These requirements will align closely with those developed for the high-repetition-rate MEC-U laser, which will be integrated with LCLS, contributing to fundamental fusion science and technology.

One of the remarkable aspects of these hubs is their commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. They aim to engage students and establish partnerships with universities and companies to develop the workforce of the future.

RISE has been granted $16 million for a four-year project and has brought together experts from five universities, two U.S. national labs, a federal lab, and three companies. STARFIRE has also received a four-year $16 million grant and boasts the participation of seven universities, four U.S. national labs, an international lab, three commercial entities, one philanthropic organization, and three private companies.