University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Many lower-cost fusion concepts require high-performance, long-life electrodes for plasma generation, sustainment, and refueling. Due to the plasma and high-current-density environments needed for fusion, electrodes can erode quickly, which contaminates and cools the plasma, leading to increased maintenance costs. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has recently explored a new class of plasma-robust materials inspired by reticulated foams and enabled by advanced manufacturing, with the potential to significantly reduce electrode erosion, allowing for five times greater electrode life and reduced plasma contamination. In the Advanced Materials for Plasma-Exposed Robust Electrodes (AMPERE) project, UCLA will first demonstrate that the new electrodes are “plasma-favorable,” meaning they will not contaminate the plasma needed to generate fusion power. Second, UCLA will characterize and model the electrode performance for durability and longevity, aiming to undertake specific electrode designs for fusion experiments by this project’s conclusion. The benefits provided by these electrode materials will ultimately lead to more durable and practical fusion devices that operate more efficiently and at a much lower cost.

Successful development of fusion energy science and technology could lead to a safe, carbon-free, abundant energy source for developed and emerging economies.