Fusion Energy Sciences

Building 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).