Harnessing fusion – the process that powers our sun – as a clean source of energy has been a dream of many decades. One of the companies working to turn this dream into reality is Munich-based startup Marvel Fusion. A few weeks ago, the students from the IMPRS-APS got the chance to gain insights into the work of the fusion startup.
Approaches to achieve fusion on earth either work through magnetic confinement or are driven by lasers. Marvel Fusion employs a laser-driven method that utilizes nanostructured rods to convert energy from ultrashort laser pulses into charged particles that can compress and heat fusion fuels.
To understand and demonstrate the key physics of this process, Marvel Fusion collaborates with existing laser facilities, such as the Centre for Advanced Laser Applications (CALA) in Garching. The IMPRS-APS students were given a behind-the-scenes tour at CALA, taking a look at the high-intensity ATLAS-3000 laser and gaining insights into Marvel Fusion’s experimental chamber.
Leading the laser-plasma physics team from the experiments department at Marvel Fusion is none other than our former attoworld colleague and IMPRS-APS student Daniel Rivas! He and Katinka von Grafenstein – an IMPRS-APS graduate from last year – provided a “physics deep-dive” for our researchers. Furthermore, Floris Deurvorst – Manager R&D at Marvel Fusion – offered an introduction to the startup's mission and vision.
During the visit, the students also had the chance to engage in informal discussions with Marvel Fusion employees over lunch.
Visiting companies and laboratories is part of the program at IMPRS-APS – the next events in September will be visits to InnoLas Laser and to the FRM II research reactor.
Pictures: Nina Beier
