The Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering (IQSE) at Texas A&M University stands at the forefront of a groundbreaking national initiative aimed at harnessing the power of nuclear laser fusion for limitless and sustainable energy. The initiative, known as the RISE Hub, is a crucial component of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) $42 million program that establishes three hubs dedicated to advancing foundational science and technology in Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE).
Nuclear fusion, the process responsible for powering the sun, remains a complex challenge that promises to revolutionize the energy landscape on Earth. IFE, one of the most promising approaches to achieving controlled nuclear fusion, involves using powerful lasers to heat a small target containing fusible material, leading to fusion reactions that can produce a net gain in energy.
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s recent achievement of a critical milestone in IFE development, where fusion energy output exceeded laser energy input, marked a significant leap forward. Building on this success, the DOE’s $42 million program focuses on advancing foundational science and technology in IFE. Texas A&M’s IQSE is a key participant in the RISE Hub, led by Colorado State University, dedicated to advancing laser-driven fusion energy.
Dr. Marlan Scully, a University Distinguished Professor and Director of IQSE, highlighted the significance of the RISE hub, stating, “The RISE hub will become a center of excellence for IFE science and technology to support the DOE’s mission in IFE.” The hub’s collaborative efforts include leading institutions, private fusion companies, and experts from various fields, all working together to achieve scientific milestones for the commercialization of fusion energy.
The RISE hub brings together researchers from IQSE, along with contributors from the University of Illinois, Cornell University, Colorado State University, the DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Naval Research Laboratory, and three private companies: Marvel Fusion, Xcimer Energy, and General Atomics.
Dr. Alexei Sokolov, IQSE Associate Director, emphasized the institute’s commitment to leveraging its expertise in exotic laser physics for the laser-fusion promise. The RISE hub’s funding from the DOE’s Office of Science, Fusion Energy Science through the Inertial Fusion Energy Science and Technology Accelerator Research (IFE-STAR) program reflects a strategic investment in advancing IFE science.
The RISE hub’s mission includes exploring innovative target concepts, developing excimer gas lasers and solid-state laser drivers, and fostering university-industry-national laboratory collaborations. Prioritizing the involvement of students and workforce development, the RISE hub represents a pivotal step toward realizing the potential of nuclear laser fusion as a clean and abundant energy source for the future.
As Texas A&M’s IQSE leads efforts in the RISE Hub, the university continues to contribute significantly to cutting-edge research and development in the pursuit of sustainable and transformative energy solutions.
