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).