IFE-STAR Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

The IFE-STAR ecosystem coordinates a national Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) research experience for undergraduates enrolled in US universities and colleges. Students who are accepted into this program will have opportunities to do IFE summer research at partnering organizations and universities across the nation. Applications will be shared with the research institutions based on the student’s selected interest within the application. Each institution will independently reach out to selected applicants as they fill their summer research openings. Financial support is available through each institution.

Apply Today

Please apply here for the IFE-STAR Summer Undergraduate Research Experience. This program offers exciting opportunities at various locations nationwide, allowing you to engage in cutting-edge research in inertial fusion energy.

Before submitting your application, please have the following documents prepared for upload:

An updated resume or CV
A copy of your academic transcript, which should include a list of your courses and grades (an unofficial copy is acceptable)
Your current GPA on a 4.0 scale

Having these documents ready will help streamline your application process. Thank you!

Application deadline for Summer 2025: February 15, 2025

Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited US college or university to apply.

Apply Here

Participating Institutions

Explore the diverse range of research opportunities available at our participating institutions across the country. Click on the locations below to discover the groundbreaking projects taking place at each site. As you navigate through these options, you’ll have the chance to apply to specific locations that align with your interests in your application. Dive in and find your perfect research destination!

Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

Brigham Young University (BYU) hosts approximately 20 students per year from around the country in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This program is funded through the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (https://reu.byu.edu/) and internal college and department funds. Funding is also available for foreign national students through our Fletcher Research Internship that runs alongside the REU program. It is a 10 week, paid internship with housing and travel support provided with a broad range of research projects. In 2025, we will include up to three positions funded by the Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE-STAR) RISE Hub working on projects such as developing single shot x-ray imaging of fusion materials, scanning lensless imaging of IFE mirrors, and neutron and charged particle detection and spectroscopy.

For activities, we have an introductory optical lab setup and steps for beginners to learn about coherent scattering and coherent diffraction imaging of fusion materials. We also have many close collaborations with SLAC’s Linac Coherent Light Source to image fusion materials. We also have facilities in neutron detection research, paired fission neutron observation, charged particle spectroscopy, single wire z-pinch, high energy electron spectroscopy, vortex plasma confinement, and low energy stellar like fusion reactions.

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

The Advanced Laser for Extreme Photonics (ALEPH) Center at Colorado State University has opportunities for research experiences for undergraduate students in Summer 2025.

Our research focuses in advancing high energy lasers which are used to study laser-matter interactions, relevant to fusion energy. Our research involves optics, and materials science and laser engineering. We are researching on materials to advance dielectric thin film coatings for high energy lasers. We develop nanostructured targets which are the targets to study laser matter interactions. Examples of research projects for undergraduates are:

Generation of intense ultrafast x-ray flashes from nanostructures irradiated with ultra-intense laser pulses
Interaction of Ultra-Intense Femtosecond Laser Pulses with Nanostructures
Design, Fabrication and Diagnostics of interference Coatings for High Intensity Lasers
Super-resolution microscopy for defect identification and characterization
Ultra-high intensity laser technologies: i) Active control of an ultra high power laser; ii) Development of a compact high average power ultrafast laser; iii) Design and construction of laser amplifiers; iv) Thermal transport studies in laser optics

Ergodic, Seattle, WA

At Ergodic, we are developing the next generation of scientific software tools and performing novel research using those tools. Our work focuses on applications to laser-based inertial confinement fusion. Student projects can be crafted to involve theoretical and computational plasma physics research, scientific software development using Python, machine learning using JAX and PyTorch, and machine-learning ops software development for cloud environments.

These projects are suitable for students pursuing degrees in plasma physics, machine learning for physics applications, as well as software engineering. The skills developed in these projects will prepare students for further graduate studies in plasma physics and computer science as well as industry roles such as research engineer, machine learning engineer, and machine learning ops engineer.

Focused Energy, Austin, TX

Focused Energy, founded in 2021, is pioneering a new era of energy generation through inertial confinement fusion (ICF) technology. Our approach to inertial fusion energy (IFE) employs direct-drive schemes such as proton fast ignition (pFI), shock ignition (SI), and central hotspot ignition (HI). The company is actively developing laser-driven fusion power plants and related technologies to create clean, sustainable, and virtually limitless energy. We are looking for talented and motivated undergraduates from diverse scientific disciplines (i.e., mathematics, physics, optics, engineering, and computational science) to join our team during the summer 2025. At Focused Energy, we offer a collaborative environment where curiosity and innovation thrive. You’ll gain hands-on experience and knowledge about various topics related to ICF while working alongside our world-class scientists. Our projects include:

Assisting in modelling laser-plasma interactions (LPI) in conditions relevant to our target designs and examining the impacts of LPI on implosion performance.
Assisting in running large-scale simulations on high-performance computing environment and analyzing complex datasets to explore proton acceleration and focusing our pFI designs.

This is your chance to make a real impact in transforming energy generation globally and advance your career in one of the most exciting industries of the future.

General Atomics, San Diego, CA

General Atomics is developing targets and target systems for IFE power plants. This includes methods for the mass production of targets for IFE and automated assembly thereof; rapid inspection and characterization methods for IFE targets; cryogenic target fuel-filling systems; target injectors; target tracking systems; demonstrating engagement (hitting) of flying targets accurately with laser beams; ML/AI self-driven laser experiments; data collection, storage, and control systems for laser systems; systems engineering of IFE power plants, and technologies for tritium processing systems.

Example projects: designing and testing of gas guns for spherical targets and components thereof; testing deterministic centering methods for compound droplets prior to curing into target foam shells/capsules; developing overcoating methods/agitators for foam shells; developing methods for drying wet organic aerogel foam shells; developing inspection systems for targets; developing acoustics for the manipulation of target capsules through target inspection systems; optimizing 3D printing of IFE target foam shells/capsules using extreme resolution two-photon-polymerization additive manufacturing systems; and adapting portions of the FUSE fusion power plant systems design code (General Atomics Releases FUSE: A Powerful Tool to Fast-Track the Development of Fusion Power Plants | General Atomics) for use with IFE powerplants.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA

Leonardo Electronics US Inc., Tucson, AZ

Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM

Los Alamos has a summer opportunity for a student to engage in inertial confinement fusion energy target design. The candidate will use radiation hydrodynamics codes running on high performance computers to simulated laser driven capsule implosions. The student will analyze the results and work with scientists to make design changes to improve the fusion performance. This opportunity will involve writing python and modifying input to the computer codes. The student will learn about nuclear fusion, plasma physics, and hydrodynamics. The student will work with colleagues in the areas of target manufacturing and laser development optimizing the three major components for inertial fusion energy as part of the RISE hub lead by CSU.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

The High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) Division at the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center has a long history of exploring HEDP, Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) and Inertial Fusion Energy. Experiments are currently being performed at the OMEGA laser at University of Rochester, the NIF laser at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the Z-machine at Sandia National Laboratory using a suite of nuclear and x-ray diagnostics developed and implemented by MIT and its collaborators. These diagnostics are used to probe spatial and temporal variations in an ICF implosion through spectral, temporal, and imaging measurements of fusion products and x-rays. These measurements are being used to study a wide variety of physics processes and issues such as implosion dynamics and performance, the relationship of implosion symmetry to laser drive symmetry, the relative timing of the shock and compression phase, charged-particle transport and heating, ion-ion and ion-electron relaxation physics, kinetic and multi-ion effects and their possible impact on ignition designs, and the accuracy of various hydrodynamic and ion-kinetic simulations. Other HEDP experimental work at OMEGA and NIF involves nuclear astrophysics, magnetic reconnection, plasma jets, and hydrodynamic instabilities in plasmas. Theoretical work is also being conducted in the area of slowing down and transport of ions and electrons in high-energy-density plasmas. In addition, an important goal of the Division is to educate and train young students and scientists; at present, the Division has fifteen graduate students, seven undergraduate students and one postdoc. For more information about the HEDP Division, click here.

Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA

Researchers at SLAC's High-Energy Density Science (HEDS) division explore the physical characteristics of warm dense matter, shocks, and intense laser-plasma interactions within the relativistic regime. Employing exceptionally energetic nanosecond lasers, powerful short-pulse lasers, and vivid x-ray sources, they create advanced probing methods based on fundamental principles, complemented by top-notch theoretical and simulation capabilities. Recent emphasis on fusion energy science and technology studies are focused on performing experimental validation for laser-based inertial fusion energy concepts.

A few examples of projects students will be able to get involved with:

Design of water jet apparatus, including microcrystals in the water, for high rep rate compression studies:

Here, students could participate in design and operation of a microfluidic nozzle in a vacuum environment for applications in HED science -- including shock compression and studies of strongly heated nonequilibrium plasmas.

Preparation of cryogenic D2 jet technology in support of IFE wetted foams:

Here, students will participate in the design and construction of D2 cryogenic wetted foams suitable for high rep rate shock compression. Performing experiments on wetted foams and exercising high rep rate cryogenic jet technologies at lightsources and high power laser facilities will provide much needed data for fusion energy studies.

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

(1) Experimental Stochastic Nonlinear Optics pertaining to Laser Fusion Energy (LFE).

Students will participate in a series of experiments that involve a system of optically synchronized picosecond and femtosecond laser pulses, aiming to investigate nonlinear phenomena, both desired, such as soliton generation, and unwanted, such as laser-induced material damage and gas breakdown. These phenomena are of critical importance in design of high-power laser systems needed for LFE.

Knowledge of basic electronics and/or optics is a benefit, as well as some coding abilities (Python, LabView or such).

The student will be expected to conduct the experimental work in College Station, Texas, and attend a Summer School (expenses paid by TAMU) in Casper, Wyoming, July 14-25, 2025.

(2) Theoretical/computational gas thermodynamics calculations pertinent to nonlinear optical processes such as Brillouin and Raman scattering.

Numerical simulations of laser-induced breakdown of atomic and molecular gasses. These phenomena are of critical importance in design of high-power laser systems needed for LFE.

Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and optical physics on one hand, and computer programming on the other (Python, Matlab, Fortran, C etc.) are optional but recommended.

The student will be expected to conduct the theoretical work in College Station, Texas, and attend a Summer School (expenses paid by TAMU) in Casper, Wyoming, July 14-25, 2025.

University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA

The Laboratory for Laser Ablation Plasmas and Shocks (LAPS) in the High-Energy-Density Physics group consists of a variety of lasers with various energies, pulse lengths, and wavelengths, including a 40-J, 1-μm, 12-ns amplitude, and 4.5-J continuum laser with 6-ns, 532-nm lasers to study laser energy absorption, ablation, and thermomechanical shock generation in solid, tamper, and high-density foam targets. Several lasers ranging from 10 J to several 100 mJ with varying pulse lengths are available for optical diagnostics including interferometry, streak optical pyrometry (SOP), and optical Thomson scattering (OTS). High-resolution optical and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelength spectrometers (resolutions of <0.05 nm and < 0.01 nm for wavelength ranges of 7 to 70 nm and 2 to 20 nm, respectively) are available to diagnose EUV sources. In addition, we a have high-repetition-rate spectrograph (10 Hz continuous operation and 40 Hz burst mode) and an optical streak camera (temporal resolution of ~10 ps with a sweep time of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 ns/15 mm). Faraday cups are available to detect ions and electrons produced in the laser–plasma interaction region. Cutting-edge lasers and pertinent diagnostics facilitate a unique hands-on experience for undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

1) Two-Photon Polymerization for Inertial Fusion Target Fabrication:

Explore how two-photon polymerization (2PP), a cutting-edge 3D printing technique, is used in the fabrication of inertial fusion targets. Learn how femtosecond lasers enable the creation of highly precise microstructures like fuel capsules, which are critical for achieving uniform fuel compression and enhancing fusion efficiency. This process offers valuable insights into advanced manufacturing techniques for fusion energy research.

2) CARS Imaging for Target Integrity and Isotope Condensation Characterization:

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging is a powerful tool for characterizing target integrity and isotope condensation in fusion targets. CARS provides detailed chemical and structural information, allowing researchers to assess the uniformity and quality of fusion targets. This noninvasive technique is crucial for detecting isotopic variations and ensuring proper fuel layering, ultimately enhancing the performance and reliability of fusion experiments. This method offers a precise approach for diagnostics in fusion target fabrication.

University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, NY

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), as part of the University of Rochester, has an established Undergraduate Education Program that enables students to engage in science and engineering critical to the nation. LLE operates the world’s largest laser systems in an academic institution, which helps create opportunities for students to experience research and engineering at a large scale, similar to what they would encounter at national laboratories and large defense contractors.

The Inertial Fusion Energy-Consortium on Laser—Plasma Interaction Research (IFE-COLoR) hub centered at the University of Rochester to develop direct-drive fusion for inertial fusion energy is a focus for many undergraduate research opportunities at LLE. The unique research, workforce, and career-building opportunities LLE has to offer undergraduates are well suited to providing training for future careers as operators, technicians, scientists, and engineers, or preparation for careers in higher education in plasma physics, optical sciences and engineering, and high-energy-density physics. Undergraduate students pursuing degree programs in related science and engineering fields are welcome to apply.

Xcimer Energy, Denver, CO

At Xcimer Energy, we are pioneering the commercial deployment of inertial fusion energy and harnessing the power of cutting-edge laser technology to revolutionize the global energy landscape. We are looking for passionate and talented undergraduates from diverse engineering and scientific disciplines—physics, mechanical engineering, electrical and pulsed-power engineering, control systems, optical engineering, and computational science—to join us in our mission to power a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable world.

Our projects focus on advancing the world's highest-energy laser systems to drive inertial fusion energy, leveraging decades of research and innovation across multiple fields. As an undergraduate at Xcimer, you'll be part of a dynamic team working on challenges at the intersection of:

Laser-driven fusion technology: Assist in optimizing the efficiency and precision of the laser systems, chambers, and targets that make commercial fusion energy possible.
Mechanical and electrical systems: Collaborate on the development and integration of robust mechanical and electrical components that will form the foundation of our energy delivery infrastructure.
Pulsed-power engineering: Work on the high-power systems required to drive the lasers that initiate the fusion process and contribute to innovations that increase reliability and scalability.
Control systems: Develop and refine control systems essential to synchronizing the complex interactions between laser components and the fusion reaction.
Computational modeling: Engage in high-performance computational simulations to model fusion reactions, nonlinear optical processes, and optimize system performance.

By joining Xcimer, you will contribute directly to our goal of putting fusion energy on the grid, collaborating with a team of over 60 engineers, scientists, and technicians from backgrounds in aerospace, national labs, semiconductor manufacturing, high-performance computing, and software engineering. Based in Denver, CO, we’re building the future of energy—and we want you to be a part of it.

For questions about the program, please contact the IFE-STAR Undergraduate Summer Research Program Office.