FRANCE: Energy Fusion: Amplitude and Focused Energy Sign $40 Million Agreement to Develop Revolutionary Lasers

BORDEAUX, France, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amplitude , a global leader in ultrafast lasers, is partnering with Focused Energy , a global specialist in laser fusion, for a $40 million partnership to develop next-generation laser systems. These cutting-edge technologies will be at the heart of Focused Energy’s plan to make inertial fusion viable on an industrial scale.

The program, supported and funded by the German Federal Agency for

Disruptive Innovations ( SPRIND ), will install two kilojoule-class lasers at Focused Energy’s brand new laser development center in the San Francisco Bay Area. With an unprecedented firing rate – one shot every 60 seconds – the $40 million facility will help validate direct laser fusion, a promising process for producing clean, abundant and limitless energy.

Amplitude, headquartered in Pessac near Bordeaux, benefits from strong support from the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, notably through the Cité de la Photonique and the ALPHA-RLH deep tech competitiveness cluster. This program will draw on a range of the company's technologies and consolidate the expertise of its sites in Lisses, Pessac and Antibes.

A key step for the energy of tomorrow

This partnership marks a major step forward for commercial laser fusion. On the path to inertial fusion, other spin-off applications are expected to emerge. Amplitude envisions a future where these advances will be used in areas such as non-destructive testing, enabling inspection without causing damage to the part, in healthcare, medical imaging and various industrial processes. These laser innovations promise to deliver significant advances, improving the quality of medical care, increasing industrial efficiency and creating a lasting positive impact on society.

Damien Buet , President of Amplitude, emphasizes:  "We are proud to contribute to this visionary project, which exploits the best of laser technologies to meet the energy needs of the future. It is the perfect embodiment of our purpose, "Sparking a Brighter Future with our Laser Solutions", since we will be the spark that ignites this infinite source of energy. "

A project with an international dimension

This project is part of a transatlantic collaboration that combines technological excellence and European and American scientific expertise.

According to Scott Mercer , CEO of Focused Energy: “ This is a historic moment on the path to commercial laser fusion, building on the groundbreaking work of the National Ignition Facility two years ago. These laser systems will serve as the technology foundation from which Focused Energy will develop the modular laser arrays needed for a pilot fusion plant capable of delivering clean energy to the grid. ”

SPRIND's support also illustrates the desire to strengthen international collaborations in the field of green technologies. Rafael Laguna de la Vera , Director of SPRIND, says:  "Fusion energy represents one of the most promising innovations to address the global energy crisis. This type of partnership accelerates the transition to sustainable energy."

An unprecedented energy impact

Once commercialized, laser fusion could revolutionize the global energy sector. In fact, three cans of fusion fuel could power a city like San Francisco for an entire day. In addition to providing clean, inexhaustible energy, this technology could play a major role in the fight against global warming.

About Amplitude Laser Group

Amplitude Laser Group is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-power ultrafast laser systems, contributing to significant advances in Nobel-caliber science, medical treatments and industrial applications. With over 20 years of innovation, the group's product portfolio includes high-intensity Ti-Sapphire lasers, femtosecond fiber lasers, OPCPA, and advanced pumped diode systems. By offering cutting-edge laser technologies, Amplitude supports researchers and manufacturers in their most ambitious projects, thus participating in the emergence of an innovative future for science, medicine and technology.
https://amplitude-laser.com/