Laser Fusion as a Promising Pathway to Fusion Energy
Prof. Dr. Markus Roth (TU Darmstadt)

With the recent demonstration of fusion ignition and burn and the first energy gain from controlled fusion reactions, the laser-based fusion approach has become a promising concept for fusion energy. While not supported in Germany until a few years ago, Germany has a huge potential in taking the lead on laser-fusion research, based on its excellent science and technology in optics and lasers.
Focused Energy is a US/German Startup company, spin-off of the TU Darmstadt that has gathered the world experts in laser fusion in the last two years.
I will review the recent results at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory National Ignition Facility and sketch a pathway from this groundbreaking result to a first fusion reactor prototype.