A new $150 million laser facility and fusion research centre will be constructed thanks to an emerging partnership between Colorado State University (CSU) and Marvel Fusion.
Set to be completed in 2026, the facility on CSU’s Foothills Campus will feature at least three laser systems, each with multi-petawatt peak power and an ultra-fast repetition rate of ten flashes per second, according to CSU. The university says that the planned flagship facility will also serve as an international epicentre for research into inertial fusion energy, lasers and photonics, and high energy density physics.
The public-private partnership is pending finalisation by the CSU System Board of Governors.
“CSU has been at the forefront of laser research for many years, and this new partnership would cement the university as an international leader in an area of laser science that has the potential to deliver profound benefits to our planet for generations,” CSU President Amy Parsons said. “The project aims to open up new avenues of research and exploration for students and faculty, and drive meaningful, long-term benefits to Fort Collins and the state.”
Marvel Fusion is a private company working to commercialise fusion energy through its laser technology. Moritz von der Linden, CEO of Marvel Fusion said: “This public-private partnership sets the global standard for laser-based fusion research, propelling the development of a safe, clean, and reliable energy source. It is an incredible step forward for Marvel Fusion and a testament to our success and vision.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for laser-based science, a dream facility for discovery and advanced technology development with great potential for societal impact,” said Jorge Rocca, director of CSU’s Laboratory for Advanced Lasers and Extreme Photonics.