Consortium IFE Targetry HUB

The Fraunhofer IAF coordinates the IFE Targetry HUB. In addition to its expertise in diamond growth, Fraunhofer IAF contributes its know-how and infrastructure in the field of microstructure technologies with regard to surface treatments of spherical targets and material characterization to the IFE Targetry HUB. The goal of Fraunhofer IAF is to ensure knowledge transfer within the network and to test and evaluate the suitability of the targets manufactured by the network partners for inertial confinement fusion.

In the IFE-targetry-HUB, Focused Energy coordinates research and development on manufacturing technologies for hydrogen (deuterium-tritium) filled polymer targets, of which many millions per day are needed to operate a fusion reactor. In addition to the laser and reactor technology, the “targetry” is one of the three pillars for a functional and economically viable power plant based on laser inertial confinement fusion.

Diamond Materials has extensive expertise in the production of high-precision diamond targets for fusion research. The planned activities at the IFE Targetry HUB will focus on optimizing targets for higher performance in fusion experiments. The activities will also concentrate on developing cost-efficient manufacturing processes for fusion targets, including the optimization of CVD plasma reactors.

Fraunhofer IFAM, with over 700 employees, focuses its research on surfaces, material development, and adhesive technology. Its expertise in adjusting surface properties using atmospheric pressure plasmas is utilized in the project for target production. The aim is to manufacture targets for a future fusion power plant in large quantities and at a low cost. Appropriate processes and plant concepts are being developed in collaboration with project partners.

The Fraunhofer Development Center for X-ray Technology EZRT is a division of the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS. We engage in applied research and development in the field of non-destructive monitoring throughout the entire product lifecycle, from raw materials through production to recycling. In the IFE Targetry-Hub project, we are focusing on the characterization of targets that are used for energy deposition in the fusion reactor. 

The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT is researching the development of high-resolution, additively manufactured foam structures using multiphoton polymerization. The focus is on material and process development to create precise and reliable structures and foam targets that significantly enhance efficiency in inertial confinement fusion. By utilizing advanced laser technologies, ILT contributes to the advancement of laser-based manufacturing processes.

The company Herkula is involved in the joint research project IFE Targetry HUB, which is developing a high-molecular aliphatic UV-reactive system for multiphoton polymerization (MPP). The aim is to produce polymer foam targets for fusion research with optimal wetting properties. The innovation lies in the use of long-chain aliphatic polymers and improved process stability to increase quality.

Kern Microtechnik GmbH is developing a novel polishing process to increase the quality of stamps and dies for the target production. Moreover, Kern Microtechnik is one of the leading technology companies in the manufacturing of high-quality ceramic parts, and will develop novel grinding tools to increase the economic manufacturing of ceramic components for fusion reactors.

The Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe (TLK) of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is a unique research facility, enabling research and experiments with tritium on a technical scale. The TLK supports the project with its more than 30 years of experience, and will build the first tritium-compatible test bench for loading targets. In addition, its experimental capabilities will be used to investigate the relevant phase space of tritium.

The aim is to produce spherical shell targets with a wall thickness that is as homogeneous as possible using microfluidic methods. For this purpose, double emulsions are produced, which serve as a template for the polymerization of the outer droplet liquid. The homogeneous wall thickness is then adjusted using electrical forces, which can be used to center the inner and outer droplets.

Plasmatreat manufactures atmospheric-pressure, jet-based plasma systems for cleaning, activating and coating surfaces in Steinhagen, East Westphalia. The company supports customers around the world in overcoming challenges in the section of adhesive and paint adhesion. In the project, Plasmatreat will research and deposit an extremely homogeneous plasmon polymer protective layer on the spherical targets.  

The Institute of Production Engineering and Forming Machines (PtU) is involved by investigating the production of targets using forming technology. The process chain is first modelled using numerical simulation. This requires a detailed characterisation of the materials used. In addition, the PtU is testing different manufacturing routes for forming production.