MISSION
The Fusion Energy Program (FEP) targets science and technology challenges that lie at the heart of developing fusion as an attractive energy source. In magnetic fusion energy (MFE) research at LLNL, a major focus resides in understanding plasma turbulence and the accompanying heat transport in the complex region and harsh environment where hot, confined plasma meets the room temperature boundary of the confining device. In inertial fusion energy (IFE), researchers focus on the high energy density physics (HEDP) of fusion targets under the intense heating of lasers, and on the warm dense matter regime accessible by heavy ion beams.
Inertial Fusion Energy
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is the Coordinator of the Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) Element for the Virtual Laboratory for Technology. LLNL assists the Department of Energy's Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (OFES) by developing research and development plans and coordinating the national IFE activities. LLNL also plays key technical roles in the areas of chamber technology, chamber/driver interface, safety and environment, and system modeling and integration
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Magnetic Fusion Energy
In our magnetic fusion research, we focus on high-leverage critical areas in physics and technology that will make fusion power plants commercially attractive and publicly accepted in the twenty-first century. LLNL has consistently been one of the most innovative centers of magnetic fusion research since the program's beginnings in the early 1950s..
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Progam Leader: Ed Synakowski
Ed Synakowski joined Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in January 2006. Ed was formerly the Research Director of PPPL's National Spherical Torus Experiment. His leadership roles in the national fusion program have included chairmanship of the U.S. Fusion Transport Task Force (TTF) and U.S. co-leadership of the International Tokamak Physics Activity (ITPA) Internal Transport Barrier group. Ed received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in 1988 and was named a fellow of APS in 2000.
Program Leader
Ed Synakowski
synakowski2@llnl.gov
(925) 423-8513
