RISE investigates solutions to key challenges associated with two Inertial Fusion Energy approaches
RISE is exploring two targeted approaches:
- Micro-structured wetted foams
- Nanostructured targets
Research Targets
Target Physics
Driver Technologies
Target Fabrication
Target Validation
Workforce Development
Target design optimization for gain and robustness
- Advance foam and nanostructured target designs from a system’s optimization standpoint
- Simulations support experimental designs focused on examining the effects of foams on target performance
Advancing enabling laser technologies for IFE laser drivers
KrF lasers offer:
- Path to high laser energy on target for high fusion yield
- Short wavelength – large bandwidth for improved laser-target coupling efficiency
- Use of non-linear processes in gases to bypass optical damage
- Implement scalable, reliable manufacturing of high-aspect ratio aligned nanostructures of fusible materials
- Micro-encapsulated foams for low cost, mass-produced targets
Efficient laser energy conversion into kinetic energy of ions in nanostructure arrays irradiated at relativistic intensities
- Static and dynamic nanoscale imaging of foams
Undergraduate research participation on DOE SULI and RENEW programs
Partnerships with community colleges
Summer school for high school students and teacher
Industry Internships