First to Fusion, The 22 Minute Signal, LK-99
Hello!
I had the privilege of visiting First Light Fusion HQ last week, and their progress and approach to fusion technology left a deep (tech) impression.
It was awe-inspiring to see the pace of development and results the team has accomplished so far. While navigating the complex terrain of fusion technologies, Nicholas Hawker and the First Light Fusion team are optimising for reliable progress while minimising for technology uncertainty by operating within a simplified physics domain. This isn't about taking shortcuts - it's about smart and efficient problem-solving. Their method of breaking down the mammoth task of fusion into manageable pieces is a case study in innovation.
First Light Fusion use an approach to inertial confinement fusion called "projectile fusion," which replaces the high energy and high capital cost of laser systems with the world's shortest rail gun. They accelerate a projectile to 60km/s in fractions of a second to deliver the compressive forces necessary to induce fusion in their fuel targets; their real USP.
These fuel targets, inspired by the claw of a pistol shrimp, a crustacean that can create a high-energy bubble through a quick snap of its claw, contain a force amplifying and shaping geometry to transfer the impact of the projectile into a compressive force uniformly encapsulating the fuel, collapsing it, and igniting fusion. This "one-sided fusion" approach significantly simplifies the reactor design and physics of reliable fusion.
Equally inspiring was the diversity and depth of their team. From former navy submariners to fusion physicists, this mix of backgrounds and skill sets drives a holistic perspective in tackling the challenges of fusion technology; epitomised by the team's ethos - "simulate then validate". First Light Fusion's use of Machine Learning in their experimental and amplifier design affords them high-speed, low-cost learning, which the team then diligently validates in one of their many on-site test systems. My favourite was "the BFG", I'll let you fill in the acronym.
Overall, I left incredibly impressed. The team’s realistic time-frames and their openness about the hurdles still to face was refreshing. There's no over-promising, just a clear understanding of the work that lies ahead, conviction that they can deliver on the promise, and the determination to press forward.
Thanks to the team for hosting me and showing us what great science looks like. Podcast and video with Nick to follow.
This Weeks Video
Since 1988, this mysterious radio signal has arrived every 22 minutes. We have no idea what it is.
3 Things I found Cool this Week
LK-99 Isn’t a Superconductor (?) Increasingly the initial experiments are returning null results. Mostly finding some evidence of magnetism, but not superconductivity.
US scientists achieve net energy gain for second time in a fusion reaction The only thing better than fusion the first time is fusion the second time. Surely, we’re mere hours away from infinite energy… well maybe a decade or so.
Newly discovered giant viruses look like stars, turtles, and perfume bottles Scientists have found giant viruses. I don’t see how this could go wrong.
I hope you’re having a great week!
Ben