ATLAS Facility
Multiple high repitition rate petawatt laser systems and dedicated target chambers. The facility will be available through LaserNetUS.
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About the Hub
RISE
The Inertial Fusion Science and Technology (RISE) is led by Colorado State University (CSU). The Hub focuses on four key areas: theoretical design of Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) concepts, experimental laser driver technology development, IFE target innovation, and validation of fusion concepts. This initiative will explore both krypton fluoride (KrF) and solid-state laser drivers, with an emphasis on high efficiency and innovative target designs. The RISE Hub leverages state-of-the-art facilities, such as Xcimer Energy’s Phoenix and SLAC MEC facilities, to conduct experiments in high-energy laser physics, as well as CSU’s ALEPH laser to improve coupling efficiency with fusion targets. Significant upgrades supported by project partners will further enhance these capabilities, enabling the exploration of advanced target physics and the development of scalable technologies for IFE energy systems. Additionally, the initiative emphasizes workforce development by training future scientists and engineers to support the advancement of fusion technologies in alignment with the Department of Energy’s fusion energy mission.
Core Research
Research Thrusts
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Target Physics — developing and theoretically evaluating IFE concepts, including the physics of laser–target interactions and high-gain fusion target designs. The work explores target concepts compatible with advanced laser drivers and seeks regimes that can improve fusion performance. -
Driver Technologies — advancing multiple technologies for the high-power lasers that deliver energy to fusion targets. RISE supports krypton-fluoride (KrF) excimer lasers, solid-state laser systems and pulsed optical enhancement cavity fiber lasers being developed by industry participants.
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Target Design and Fabrication — developing fusion targets that could eventually be manufactured economically at very large scale. Specific research includes spherical foam-shell targets and nanowire-array targets, along with manufacturing processes suitable for mass production
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Target Validation – validating target concepts with experiments at mid-scale and large high power laser facilities and free electron lasers.
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Workforce Development — using the RISE research infrastructure to educate and train scientists and engineers needed for the emerging IFE field. This includes student research, seminars, and collaborations connecting universities, national laboratories, and fusion-energy companies.
CSU/SLAC
Capabilities
CSU and SLAC offer world-class capabilities in laser science, high-energy-density physics, advanced laser technologies, materials science, and engineering that position them to play a leading role in advancing inertial fusion energy.
MEC
The Matter in Extreme Conditions instrument combines intense X-ray pulses with high-power optical lasers.
Optical Coatings
Novel optical interference coatings for high-power lasers and inertial fusion energy.