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August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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August 2026
Latest News
X-energy, TerraPower share updates on advanced reactor projects
The two main players of the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, X-energy and TerraPower, have both announced significant developments in their projects to deploy advanced commercial-scale reactors.
Sarah M. Fess, Mark Bonino, Dayna Wasilewski, Neil Redden, Lance Ulrich, David Harding, Rahul Shah, Timothy Collins, Sean Regan
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 82 | Number 5 | July 2026 | Pages 996-1003
Research Article | doi.org/10.1080/15361055.2025.2533076
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
As per present models, laser imprint and implosion symmetry are insufficient to account for observed performance degradation of direct-drive cryogenic fusion implosions. More and better data are needed on ablator defects as a source of hydrodynamic instability and mix. To investigate this, a series of OMEGA experimental campaigns is underway to study isolated target defects. Key requirements are systematic variation of the laser intensity and pulse shape at shot, with highly controlled defect type, geometry, and location. Given the need for sub-micron resolution and precise registration of multiple features, two-photon polymerization (TPP) printing was identified as an ideal method to fabricate these targets. TPP printing has enabled controlled formation of designed domes, divots, and vacuoles for studying the combined effect of size and proximity of these features on the hydro performance.