First Light Fusion to build demonstration facility at UKAEA’s Culham Campus

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Projectile fusion

A new approach to inertial fusion

Projectile fusion is a new approach to inertial fusion that is simpler, more energy efficient, and has lower physics risk. The key enabler is First Light’s unique new target technology, proven through a world-first result, showing fusion with a projectile for the first time.

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Our Mission

Simplicity

First Light’s mission is to solve the problem of fusion power with the simplest machine possible. The core process is simpler, and our technology fits with existing power plant engineering. Solving the physics is not enough, the world needs a technology that can scale.

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Targets

The key technology

First Light’s unique target designs are the key technology. They have two aspects, the amplifier and the fuel capsule. The amplifier boosts the pressure of projectile impact and creates convergence, focusing shockwaves onto the fuel capsule.

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Machines

Our drivers

Our drivers launch the projectile that impacts the target. We use two-stage gas guns to test target designs, but they have a velocity limit. To go faster we rely on electromagnetic launch achieved with our pulsed power machines, similar to a railgun.

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Simulations

Rapid iteration

Our simulation tools underpin our research efforts, allowing rapid design optimisation. We place huge emphasis on verification and validation, comparing against an ever-increasing body of experimental data. The two main codes are supported by a large suite of additional tools.

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Power plant

Existing technology

Our power plant concept uses a liquid first wall, with pure natural lithium as the working fluid. This can be built with existing nuclear technology and avoids some of the big engineering challenges of fusion, like neutron damage and producing enough tritium.

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Opportunities

Join us

Help us tackle the hardest challenge on the planet

Pulsed Power Engineer

Job Reference 112

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Electro-Mechanical Engineer

Job Reference 112

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Senior Systems Engineer

Job Reference 107

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