Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

The AKL - International Laser Technology Congress 2024 fully confirmed its reputation as the leading forum for the European laser industry: There were 525 participants and 81 speakers from 21 countries, a fully booked exhibition accompanying the conference and 60 "Laser Technology Live" demonstrations in the laboratories of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT and RWTH Aachen University. The congress focused on innovations for established laser applications as well as potential billion-euro markets of the future – including cyberphotonics, quantum technologies and laser-ignited inertial fusion energy (IFE). Once again, the Gerd Herziger Session was a highlight.

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On February 16, 2024, Dr. Jean Paul Allain, Associate Director of Science for Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) in the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC), embarked on a visit to Fraunhofer ILT in Aachen, Germany as part of his European tour, which also included stops at ITER in France and the Juelich Research Center in Germany.

In his presentation titled "Building Bridges in Fusion Energy Sciences", delivered to an audience of over 150 scientists and engineers from Fraunhofer and FZ Juelich, Dr. Allain placed significant emphasis on the fundamental significance of foundational science and the crucial need for a thriving Fusion Science office. Of particular note was the remarkable collaboration between the United States and Germany in the field of Magnetic Fusion Energy (MFE). Dr. Allain further discussed the growing attention towards Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE), which had previously not received funding from FES but is now gaining recognition following successful ignition demonstrations by the National Ignition Facility (NIF). To expedite progress towards developing a fusion power plant, Dr. Allain stressed the need to position IFE as a key element within the strategic roadmap.

“I am very impressed with the Fraunhofer model and its engagement with industry. The public and private sector ecosystem incentivized by unique funding models supports the synergy needed for efforts in emerging fusion tech development”, said Dr. Allain. Illustrating his vision for the DOE FES program, Dr. Allain emphasized the significance of workforce development, bridging research gaps, nurturing transformative science, and leveraging international partnerships. He underscored the critical role of international collaborations in accelerating fusion research and development, with a specific focus on key infrastructure, innovation in fusion technology supply chains, and global workforce development. Dr. Allain particularly emphasized the importance of collaborating with German research institutions, including the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, renowned for its expertise in technology transfer to the industry.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Dr. Allain commended the collaboration taking place at the STARFIRE Hub, managed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California, USA. This collaborative effort, which includes Fraunhofer ILT, aims to advance diode-pumped solid-state laser technologies, high-gain target designs, target manufacturing, and plant modeling for IFE. This joint endeavor marks a significant stride forward in the pursuit of laser inertial fusion energy research.

The ensuing open discussion with the audience was characterized by an atmosphere of energy and enthusiasm. It shed light on one of the greatest challenges in advancing fusion energy - finding the delicate balance between the supply and demand for enabling technologies. Dr. Allain and Prof. Haefner passionately emphasized the urgent need to drive fusion energy forward by embracing a fresh approach. They underlined the crucial importance of taking decisive action and fostering innovation to accelerate progress towards a sustainable future.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Allain for being our esteemed guest and for engaging in this inspiring exchange.