Powering Fusion: How Advanced Optics Are Enabling the Future of Clean Energy - A White Paper from Laseroptik

Inertial fusion energy holds promise as a clean, CO₂-free power source for the future. But making it a commercial reality depends on one thing: laser systems capable of delivering extreme power without compromising performance or reliability. This White Paper explores how advances in optical coatings—particularly through ion beam sputtering (IBS)—are addressing one of the field’s biggest challenges: producing durable, high-LIDT optics at scale.

High-power laser pulses are essential for initiating inertial confinement fusion, a breakthrough energy concept that mimics the process powering the sun. These laser systems rely on dielectric optics that can withstand intense pulses without damage. However, ensuring long component lifetimes under these extreme conditions requires next-generation manufacturing techniques and coating technologies.

In this White Paper, Laseroptik details state-of-the-art developments in IBS technology and explains how they are helping extend optic lifespan, increase laser-induced damage thresholds, and support the optical demands of tomorrow’s large-scale fusion research facilities.

Who should read this White Paper?

This report is designed for scientists, engineers, and R&D professionals working in laser development, optical coatings, and advanced energy technologies. If you’re responsible for specifying, designing, or procuring components for high-power laser systems—or want to understand how optics impact the success of fusion power—this is essential reading.

What’s inside:

• Pushing the boundaries of laser optics: Discover techniques that enhance optic durability, reduce failure risk, and improve overall system performance for fusion applications.

• Why Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS) leads the way: Learn how IBS compares to other coating methods, and why its precision, reproducibility, and consistency make it ideal for high-performance optics.

• The role of LIDT in fusion power: Understand why damage thresholds matter, how they’re measured, and what makes optical coatings fusion-ready.

• Real-world applications and ongoing research: Gain insight into large-scale laser facilities targeting fusion energy, and the technological advances making these ambitions possible.

Why this matters:

With the race to develop sustainable energy intensifying, inertial fusion offers a potential path to safe, reliable, and carbon-free power. The quality of laser optics—and their ability to withstand repeated high-energy pulses—is a key factor in making this vision a reality.

This White Paper presents the latest thinking on ion beam sputtering, outlines Laseroptik’s role in advancing laser coating technology, and highlights why these breakthroughs are critical for building the optical backbone of fusion power.

Download the White Paper now to learn how cutting-edge optical coatings could help drive the next generation of clean energy solutions.