Following the success of its inaugural school in Bordeaux, the LaserFusion Consortium is pleased to announce its second training event: a specialized 5-day course on “Physics and Technology of Inertial Fusion Energy.” This intensive program will be hosted by the National Institute of Optics of the National Research Council (INO-CNR) in Pisa, Italy, from November 3 to 7, 2025.

This advanced course is designed specifically for postgraduate students, focusing on the critical role of diagnostics in Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) experiments. It will provide an in-depth look at the techniques used to measure and understand the extreme conditions within laser-driven plasmas, a cornerstone of fusion research.

A Deep Dive into Fusion Diagnostics

The curriculum is able to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. Participants will engage with:

• Expert Lecture Series: INO-CNR’s renowned scientists will deliver a comprehensive lecture series on key diagnostic topics, including:
• Laser-Plasma Interaction (M. Salvadori)
• Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) for proton probing (A. Macchi)
• X-ray Diagnostics (P. Koester)
• Parametric Instabilities (G. Cristoforetti)
• Laser Diagnostics (L. Labate)
• Interferometry (F. Brandi)
• Consortium Seminars: The curriculum will be further enriched by seven specialized seminars delivered by researchers from the other LaserFusion partner institutions, offering a broad perspective on the latest European research.

• Hands-On Laboratory Experience: A defining feature of the course will be its practical sessions, where participants will gain direct experience with essential experimental techniques. The hands-on activities will include:

1. Wavefront reconstruction of a He-Ne laser and analysis of phase plates.
2. Alignment of Off-Axis Parabolic (OAP) mirrors and a laboratory tour.
3. Mounting optics and observing wavefront changes due to mechanical stress.

The program will welcome 17 highly selected students from the eight partner institutions that form the LaserFusion consortium.

For more information and registration details, please visit:
https://registrazioneeventi.cnr.it/event/138/

The LaserFusion Consortium successfully concluded its inaugural Intensive Program (IP1) on “Physics and Technology of Inertial Fusion Energy” on July 25, 2025, at the University of Bordeaux. This landmark event, which ran from July 15-25, marked a significant achievement for the project, bringing together 18 selected students and leading experts from across Europe for an immersive educational experience.

Over ten intensive days, the program provided a comprehensive journey through the field of inertial fusion. The curriculum seamlessly blended core theoretical lectures with hands-on practical sessions and specialized seminars, covering topics from fundamental plasma physics to advanced laser-plasma interaction diagnostics.

A highlight of the program was a visit to the Laser Mégajoule (LMJ) facility, offering participants a unique, behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most powerful laser systems and its critical role in fusion research.

The academic program was steered by a core pedagogical team from the host institution, the University of Bordeaux, comprising Professor João Jorge Santos, Professor Dimitri Batani, and Professor Emmanuel d’Humières. Their efforts were complemented by dedicated seminars from renowned experts representing the entire consortium, ensuring a rich and diverse learning experience.

The 18 participants, selected from a competitive pool of applicants from the partner institutions, underwent initial assessments and a series of final evaluations, demonstrating a significant advancement in their understanding of the subject matter. Their valuable feedback, gathered through a comprehensive survey, will be instrumental in shaping future LaserFusion training initiatives.

By equipping these future scientists with deep technical knowledge and a powerful professional network, the LaserFusion consortium has taken a decisive step toward its goal of strengthening European capacity in inertial fusion research. The conclusion of IP1 is not an end, but a beginning—the start of a new wave of innovation driven by a connected and highly skilled generation of researchers.

The LaserFusion Consortium is proud to announce its inaugural Intensive Program (IP1) on “Physics and Technology of Inertial Fusion Energy.” Hosted by the University of Bordeaux in France, this foundational educational and training school will take place from July 15 to 25, 2025.

As the first major event of the project, IP1 represents a significant milestone in LaserFusion’s mission to foster a new generation of scientists in the field of laser-driven fusion. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, covering the entire spectrum from fundamental plasma physics to advanced laser-plasma interaction diagnostics.

A Foundational Curriculum for Future Leaders in Fusion

The 10-day program offers a rigorous and structured curriculum, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application to equip students with a robust understanding of the field. The schedule includes:

• Core Theoretical Lectures: Establishing a strong foundation in essential principles.
• Hands-on Practical Sessions: Allowing students to apply their knowledge in a controlled setting.
• Specialized Seminars: Delivered by leading experts from across the LaserFusion consortium.
• A Unique Facility Visit: An exclusive visit to the renowned Laser Mégajoule (LMJ), offering students a firsthand look at a world-class experimental facility.

To ensure an effective learning journey, the program will commence with an initial knowledge assessment and conclude with final evaluations. Participant feedback will be gathered to continuously refine and enhance the training offered by the consortium.

A Collaborative Effort from Across Europe

The program will welcome 18 highly selected students from the eight partner institutions that form the LaserFusion consortium:

• Université de Bordeaux (UBx), France (Host)
• Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Greece (Coordinator)
• Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Spain
• University of York (UoY), United Kingdom
• Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (FSU), Germany
• Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Italy
• The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI-ERIC)
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IPP), France

The academic coordination at the host site is managed by a core pedagogical team from the University of Bordeaux, comprising Professor João Jorge Santos, Professor Dimitri Batani, and Professor Emmanuel d’Humières. The teaching faculty is further enriched by dedicated seminar lectures delivered by experts from the partner organizations, ensuring a diverse and world-class educational experience.

This Intensive Program marks a critical step forward for the LaserFusion project, directly investing in the scientific talent and collaborative networks that are essential for advancing Inertial Fusion Energy from a promising concept to a tangible reality.