UK-based First Light Fusion has announced the successful execution of a fusion experiment using its unique projectile-based approach. The company, a spin-out from the University of Oxford, confirmed the detection of fusion neutrons from a shot conducted with its 22-meter, two-stage hyper-velocity gas gun. This result, achieved in late 2021 and now publicly detailed, serves as a key validation of the company's core technology, which uses a high-velocity projectile to create the extreme temperatures and pressures required for fusion by impacting a specialized target containing deuterium fuel. The experiment's primary goal was to prove the viability of the concept and the accuracy of the firm's simulation and design tools. Source: First Light Fusion

The projectile fusion method is a form of inertial confinement fusion that aims to circumvent the need for complex and costly lasers or magnetic fields. In the demonstrated experiment, the gas gun accelerated a 100-gram projectile to a velocity of 6.5 km/s. Upon impact, the projectile's kinetic energy is concentrated onto the fuel pellet through a proprietary amplifier target design, a critical component of First Light's intellectual property. This process creates a shockwave that collapses a cavity within the target, inertially confining and heating the deuterium fuel to fusion conditions. The company states this approach offers a simpler, more cost-effective path to a commercial fusion power plant compared to mainstream tokamak and stellarator designs. Source: First Light Fusion

The projectile fusion method is a form of inertial confinement fusion that aims to circumvent the need for complex and costly lasers or magnetic fields.

While specific neutron yields and energy gain figures were not disclosed in the announcement, a spokesperson for First Light Fusion confirmed the result was unambiguous and aligned with performance predictions from its numerical models. The primary diagnostic for the event was the detection of neutrons, the hallmark of a successful D-D fusion reaction. This milestone represents the first time the company has produced fusion from its target technology. The achievement follows years of simulation work and scaled experiments aimed at perfecting the target amplifier, which is designed to multiply the pressure generated by the projectile impact to the hundreds of megabars necessary for ignition. Source: First Light Fusion

With this experimental validation, First Light Fusion intends to accelerate its commercialization strategy. The company is now focused on developing a 'gain' experiment, which would produce more energy than was used to initiate the reaction. The next major step is the construction of a larger, more powerful projectile launcher, Machine 4, which will be capable of achieving the conditions required for net energy gain. A pilot plant producing approximately 150 MWe is envisioned, which would use the heat from repeated fusion pulses to generate electricity. The company's business model involves developing the core reactor technology and then partnering with established power producers for deployment and grid integration. Source: First Light Fusion