Setting a laser like sight on a path to practical fusion

Setting a laser like sight on a path to practical fusion
by Robert Schreiber
Dresden, Germany (SPX) Mar 21, 2024

In the quest for a sustainable and productive energy future, scientists have long eyed nuclear fusion, specifically the fusion of hydrogen nuclei, as a prime candidate. The main challenge, however, has been the daunting requirement of extremely high pressures and temperatures to initiate the process.

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf's Dr. Tobias Dornheim, through the "X-ray laser optimization of laser fusion" (ROLF) project, aims to refine our theoretical understanding of hydrogen compression to enhance laser fusion's efficiency, marking a significant step away from the traditional trial and error approach towards more precise and targeted experiments. This effort, supported by the European Union's "Just Transition Fund" and the Free State of Saxony, could pave the way for the realization of commercial fusion power plants.

The project leverages the state of warm dense matter (WDM), an intermediate phase of matter crucial for fusion processes, which Dr. Dornheim specializes in. Achieving a stable compression of the fusion fuel capsule, devoid of instabilities, is vital for maximizing energy yield from the fusion reaction. By collaborating with leading research facilities such as the European XFEL and the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in the USA, the ROLF project seeks to deepen our understanding of WDM behavior under extreme conditions.

A key aspect of the project is the development of an open-source software package, utilizing the Laplace transform for the precise evaluation of X-ray Thomson scattering (XRTS) data. This tool will democratize access to advanced diagnostic methods for laser fusion researchers worldwide, enabling accurate determination of crucial parameters such as temperature, density, and ionization levels of WDM without relying on conventional simulations fraught with assumptions.

With the backing of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and alignment with the European Union's strategic goals for fusion research, the ROLF project at HZDR stands as a testament to the collaborative effort to bring laser fusion closer to commercial viability. As Prof. Sebastian M. Schmidt from HZDR highlights, the institution's comprehensive capabilities in laser technology and fusion research uniquely position it to contribute significantly to this global challenge.