Inertial fusion science and technology – RISE – Hub
PI: Carmen Menoni

Fusion has the potential to provide for a reliable, limitless, safe, and clean energy source.
Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) is a highly promising approach, among other fusion concepts. The
recent achievement of net energy gain from a laser-driven fusion target at the National Ignition
Facility, where the energy output exceeds the laser input energy, represents a turning point in the
pursuit of IFE. Making IFE a commercial reality will require a concerted effort between the
private and public sectors to advance simultaneously laser drivers, the mass production of
targets, and to perform key validation experiments to benchmarked theory and simulations
capabilities.
At this watershed moment in IFE science and technology, we have assembled a team of
experts from the Colorado State University (CSU, lead), Stanford & SLAC National Accelerator
Lab. (co-lead), University of Illinois, Cornell University, Texas A&M, Los Alamos National
Lab. (LANL), Naval Research Lab. (NRL), Marvel Fusion, Xcimer Energy, and General
Atomics (GA) under the Inertial Fusion Science and Technology (RISE) Hub  to resolutely
advance IFE science and technologies.
The RISE Hub will comprehensively address key aspects of IFE by performing: 1)
theoretical design of multiple IFE concepts, 2) experiments and theory to advance technologies
enabling laser fusion drivers, 3) IFE target development and engagement, and 4) experimental
validation of fusion concepts.  In addition, the Hub will prioritize a coordinated effort in
workforce development and engage in university-industry-national laboratory partnerships. We
envision that the RISE Hub will be a center of excellence enabling partnerships of private
industry, universities, and US. Laboratories to develop the technologies and infrastructure to
support DOE’s mission in IFE.