General Atomics and SDSC use AI to advance fusion laser research

Collaboration combines high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to accelerate the design and optimisation of laser systems for inertial confinement fusion research

The GALADRIEL lab at General Atomics features a terawatt-class, ultra-short pulse sapphire laser system, a significant upgrade from earlier designs. The lab is a collaboration between General Atomics and the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC), with a focus on inertial confinement fusion research. The team is using high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to accelerate the design and optimisation of laser systems. The SDSC's expertise in high-performance computing is crucial to this effort, providing the necessary computational power to model and simulate complex laser systems.

For homeowners in California, this research has a tangible impact: it could lead to a significant reduction in energy costs. If fusion power becomes a viable alternative to traditional energy sources, households could see a decrease in their electricity bills, potentially saving hundreds of dollars per year. This is especially relevant for those living in areas with high energy costs, such as California's coastal regions. By 2030, the state aims to generate 60% of its electricity from renewable sources, and fusion power could be a key contributor to this goal.

The development of fusion power has been a long-term goal for scientists and researchers. In the 1950s and 60s, the US government invested heavily in fusion research, but progress was slow. The 1980s saw a resurgence in interest, with the development of new technologies and materials. Today, researchers are using advanced computational models and AI to simulate and optimise fusion reactions, a significant departure from earlier approaches. This collaboration between General Atomics and SDSC is part of a larger trend towards interdisciplinary research and the use of AI in scientific discovery.

By the end of 2026, the General Atomics and SDSC team plans to publish a series of papers detailing their research and findings. These papers will provide a detailed overview of their AI-powered approach to fusion research and the results they have achieved so far. In a surprising twist, the team's use of AI has led to the discovery of a new material with potential applications in both fusion research and advanced manufacturing. This material, a rare earth alloy, has shown exceptional thermal conductivity and could have significant implications for the development of more efficient fusion reactors.