The LaserFusion Consortium successfully concluded its third specialized training event, a 5-day research school on “Physics and Technology of Inertial Fusion Energy with focus on Laser Technology & Sources,” hosted by the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (FSU) in Germany. The intensive program took place from February 16 to 20, 2026, bringing together 19 postgraduate students from across the consortium’s partner institutions.

A Structured Curriculum on Laser Technology

Laser Fundamentals – Establishing essential physical and operational principles of lasers, delivered in two sessions by Prof. Karl Matthäus Zepf and Prof. Malte Christoph Kaluza.

Requirements for a Fusion Laser – Examining the specific performance criteria necessary for fusion drivers, presented by Prof. Karl Matthäus Zepf.

Simulating Lasers in Plasmas – Covering modeling and simulation techniques for laser-plasma interactions, delivered by Dr. Daniel Seipt, complemented by a hands-on PIC simulation session.

Materials for Efficient Fusion Lasers – Addressing advanced materials science for components in high-power laser systems, delivered by Dr. Mikhail Pergament.

Biblis Fusion Laser – Presenting a practical example of fusion laser system design, by Prof. Bruno Le Garrec.

Probing Fusion Plasmas with X-ray Lasers – Exploring diagnostic applications of X-ray sources, delivered by Dr. Ulf Zastrau.

Expert Contributions from Across the Consortium

The school featured a distinguished faculty of seminar speakers from the LaserFusion partner network and beyond, providing insights into specific research areas:

Laser Design Exemplified by a High-power Ti:Sapphire Laser – Dr. Alexander Sävert (Helmholtz Institut Jena)

Laser Plasma Instabilities in Direct-drive ICF – Dr. Xu Zhao (University of York)

Progress on Face-cooling for High-average Power, High-energy Lasers – Prof. Philippe Balcou (CELIA, Université de Bordeaux)

ELI Fusion Laser – Dr. Jakub Novak (ELI Beamlines)

Development of an Innovative Amplifier Based on a Radially Diode-pumped Tm:Lu2O3 Ceramic Disk – Dr. Mohamed Ezzat (CNR-INO, Italy)

A Novel Experimental Approach on Super-intense Laser-driven Ion Acceleration using Optically Shaped Gaseous Targets – Mr. Ioannis Tazes (Hellenic Mediterranean University)

The 19 selected postgraduate students (PhD candidates and MSc students) from the eight LaserFusion partner institutions participated in lectures, seminars, problem classes, and laboratory demonstrations. The program included an introductory test at the beginning and a completion test at the end, allowing participants to assess their progress. A facility demo provided exposure to laser research infrastructure at the University of Jena.

About LaserFusion: This Erasmus+ project (KA220-HED-13A477C3) aims to build a strong, interconnected European research community in Laser Inertial Fusion Energy through innovative education and training, uniting expertise from eight leading institutions.

The LaserFusion Consortium Partners:

• Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (FSU), Germany (Host of the Jena School)

• Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Greece (Coordinator)

• Université de Bordeaux (UBx), France

• Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Spain

• University of York (UoY), United Kingdom

• Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Italy

• The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI-ERIC)

• Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IPP), France