University Hosts DOE Fusion Science Center

2005:

The U.S. Department of Energy chose the University of Rochester to host one of two Fusion Science Centers (FSC). The FSC for Extreme States of Matter will develop an understanding of the physics of creating extreme states of matter using a combination of high-energy drivers (compression) and high-intensity lasers (heating). The work will culminate in integrated experiments using both aspects. These experiments will be conducted at the major national high-energy-density (HED) science facilities (OMEGA EP, NIF, and Z Facility) in a synergistic relationship with a National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) initiative for short-pulse HED science. The Center will bring academic scientists from around the country into a collaboration that will foster rapid progress in this exciting field. It will also provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral research associates as well as organize workshops and a summer school in high-energy-density physics. A major long-term goal is to study fast ignition as a potential future energy source.

Photograph of Dr. Riccardo Betti, Director, University of Rochester Fusion Science Center