Fusion Energy Sciences

Furthering our knowledge of fusion energy sources

Expanding the fundamental understanding of matter at very high temperatures and densities and to build the scientific foundation needed to develop a fusion energy source.

Expanding the fundamental understanding of matter at very high temperatures and densities and to build the scientific foundation needed to develop a fusion energy source.

The Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program’s mission is to gain a better understanding of plasma at high densities and temperatures for fusion energy technologies.

The Los Alamos FES program conducts experimental and theoretical plasma research on high-power plasma, long-pulse plasma and foundational burning plasma.

LANL collaborations

• Creating divertor and edge plasma diagnostics for the W7-X Stellarator facility at the Max Planck Institute in Greifswald, Germany;
• Developing theories on advanced models for runaway electrons and disruptions in Tokomaks;
• Participating in a multi-lab, multi-university effort to develop robust, high-fidelity simulation tools capable of predicting the plasma facing component (PFC) operating lifetime; and
• Determining PFC impact on plasma contamination, recycling of hydrogenic species, and tritium retention in future magnetic fusion devices, with a focus on tungsten-based material systems.  

Successful projects will provide critical information needed to design a future fusion nuclear science facility planned after International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).