FBH joins IFE-STARFIRE Hub to advance inertial fusion energy

The Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) is proud to announce its participation in the newly expanded Diode Technology Working Group of the IFE-STARFIRE Hub. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and led by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), STARFIRE brings together global experts to drive progress in inertial fusion energy (IFE) science and technology. FBH is one of seven new members invited to join the initiative, contributing its expertise in high-power diode laser technologies – key components in the pursuit of sustainable, fusion-based power generation.

The IFE-STARFIRE Hub is an international collaboration focused on accelerating the technical readiness of inertial fusion energy – a transformative approach to clean, abundant, and reliable power generation. Fusion energy replicates the same process that powers the sun: fusing light atomic nuclei to release immense amounts of energy. If successfully harnessed on Earth, it promises a virtually limitless and carbon-free energy source.

Inertial fusion energy uses powerful laser pulses to compress and ignite fusion fuel within a small target capsule. This approach places extreme demands on the laser systems involved, particularly the diode lasers that provide the initial energy. These lasers must deliver exceptional performance, efficiency, and reliability. Therefore, advances in diode technology directly impact the scalability, output, and cost-effectiveness of future fusion power plants.

FBH to drive innovation in diode laser design and reliability

FBH’s contribution will center on innovation in diode design, reliability assessment, and testing protocols – critical to shaping the group’s roadmap toward fusion-capable diode laser systems. With decades of experience in diode laser development and packaging, FBH is well-positioned to address the technical challenges of this emerging field.

“We are honored to be part of the STARFIRE initiative during this exciting time for fusion research,” says Dr. Paul Crump, head of the High-Power Diode Lasers Lab at FBH and co-chair of the Diode Technology Working Group. “By examining how diodes perform under the demanding conditions required for fusion, we focus on advancing practical solutions that bring inertial fusion energy closer to reality.”

FBH joins six other prominent organizations – Leonardo Electronics, TRUMPF Photonics, Coherent, Hamamatsu, Lumibird, and Fraunhofer ILT – in this collaborative effort. Together, the group will define the architecture and performance standards for diode laser systems capable of enabling real-world fusion power deployment.

For more information, see the LLNL press release.