Zap Energy reported a 37 million °C ion temperature measurement on its FuZE-Q sheared-flow stabilized Z-pinch device. The result, achieved without external magnetic coils, extends the company's progression toward the temperatures required for D-T burn.

Sheared-flow stabilization — pioneered at the University of Washington in the 1990s — has long been considered theoretically promising but engineering-marginal. Zap's continued temperature advances are gradually shifting that consensus. The company raised a $130 million Series D in 2023 and is on track for a follow-on round in 2026.

Sheared-flow stabilization — pioneered at the University of Washington in the 1990s — has long been considered theoretically promising but engineering-marginal.