Solid-State Laser Projects

The IFuEL project focuses on developing efficient solid-state laser technology to support the long-term viability of inertial fusion energy. Its primary objective is to demonstrate a cost-effective laser system capable of producing 100 joule nanosecond pulses from two laser heads that can be combined to reach 200 joules at a 10 hertz repetition rate. These pulses will be frequency doubled and used to generate high energy plasma and particle streams for studying plasma wall interactions. The project also aims to validate the operational stability of the laser system through extended testing.

Current work includes hiring staff across four participating centres and advancing the preliminary design of laser amplifiers and vacuum chamber components. A key technical challenge is the development of cryogenically cooled Yb:YLF laser heads that can achieve high wall plug efficiency and reduced pump power requirements due to the material’s low quantum defect and favourable thermo optical properties. The project is expected to reduce pump diode power needs by an order of magnitude, lowering system costs and potentially accelerating the timeline for viable inertial fusion energy. It will also provide a facility for testing plasma facing materials under fusion relevant conditions, supporting research into more resilient reactor wall materials.

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