Advance foam and nanostructured target designs from a system’s optimization standpoint through simulations that support experimental designs.

Dr. John Kline is a senior physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, specializing in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) target design and optimization. With over two decades of experience, he has led numerous experimental campaigns at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and has been instrumental in advancing foam and nanostructured target concepts for high-energy-density physics experiments.

Dr. Alison Christopherson is the Lead for Target and Ignition Physics at Xcimer Energy, where she establishes the physics basis and risk-reduction strategies for the company’s fusion pilot plant. Drawing on her experience at the National Ignition Facility, she translates complex plasma physics into reliable target designs for commercial power-plant conditions. She coordinates multiple partners across national labs and academia to advance inertial fusion into a viable energy infrastructure.

V. Shlyaptsev (CSU), C. Samulski (LANL), A. Christopherson (XE), A. Gleason (SLAC), S. Glenzer (SLAC)

Advance critical laser driver technologies in support of KrF and solid state laser drivers and other IFE drivers pursued by industry participants.

Dr. J. Gary Eden is a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, renowned for his pioneering work in laser physics, photonics, and advanced optical systems. His innovations in gas and solid-state lasers have been widely adopted in research and industry.

Dr. Erhard Gaul is Senior Vice President of Laser Systems at Marvel Fusion, based in Munich, Germany. Since October 2020, he has led advancements in high-power laser technology and driver systems, building on his extensive background in high-power laser systems, pulse compression, and driver technology development, including significant contributions to KrF and solid-state laser driver projects.

A. Mironov (UIUC), K. Desai Kabelitz (UIUC), M. Scully (TAMU), A. Sokolov (TAMU), A. Zheltikov (TAMU), Z. Yi (TAMU), G. Shvets (Cornell U.), M. Wolford (NRL), J.J. Rocca (CSU), C.S. Menoni (CSU), G. Horn (MF), C. Galloway (XE), M. Pattison (BLF)

Demonstrate the mass production of spherical foam shell targets and of efficient nanowire array targets in support of the IFE concepts pursued by industry participants.

Michael Farrell is a Vice President in General Atomics’ Energy Group, overseeing fabrication activities for the NNSA’s Inertial Confinement Fusion program. With over 30 years of experience, he has led key target technology developments contributing to fusion ignition and advanced R&D in laser-produced plasma sources.

Wendi Sweet is a chemical engineer and project manager at General Atomics, specializing in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) capsule fabrication. She has over two decades of experience in target fabrication and process optimization. In particular, she leads a team responsible for microencapsulation and aerogel research and development.

M. Manuel (GA), A. Gleason (SLAC), J.J. Rocca (CSU), M. Schollmeier (MF)

Investigate the physics of the interaction of high energy intense pulses with foam and nanostructure targets with innovative diagnostics.

Dr. Arianna Gleason is a staff scientist at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and an expert in dynamic compression science. She uses X-ray and optical diagnostics to investigate material behavior under extreme pressures and temperatures relevant to IFE targets.

Dr. Jorge Rocca, University Distinguished Professor at Colorado State University, is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in tabletop soft X-ray lasers, high-repetition-rate laser systems, and laser-plasma interactions. His research has significantly advanced understanding of high-energy-density matter.

M. Schollmeier (MF), S. Glenzer (SLAC), R. Sandberg (BYU)

Exploit the research infrastructure to educate and train the workforce that will support IFE.

Dr. Richard Sandberg is a professor at Brigham Young University, specializing in experimental high-energy-density physics, X-ray diagnostics, and laser-plasma interactions. His research includes developing novel measurement techniques for fusion relevant experiments.

Dr. Gennady Shvets is a professor of Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University, known for his theoretical and computational work on advanced accelerator concepts, plasma physics, and nanophotonics. His contributions bridge fundamental science and applied technology for IFE.

K. Desai Kabelitz (UIUC), A. Gleason (SLAC), and all members of the RISE Hub