U of A working with national lab on fusion research
Horst Hahn, special advisor for the U of A senior vice president for Research & Partnerships and professor in materials science and engineering, presenting on fusion research.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
A two-day summit between the University of Arizona and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on Feb. 26-27 explored ways to advance projects aimed at tackling global challenges. At the Arizona-Livermore Days, U of A researchers and LLNL scientists focused on a range of fields, including the development of inertial fusion as a way to produce carbon-free power.
LLNL's National Ignition Facility reached a major milestone in 2022, producing a fusion reaction that released more energy than the laser that started it. U of A researchers have been working with LLNL to build on that success and develop materials science, technology and economic models for future applications.
“What impressed me during Arizona Livermore Days was the depth of cross-disciplinary engagement," said Horst Hahn, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. "This is precisely the integrated approach required to meet national energy priorities and move fusion forward on an accelerated timeline."