First Light Fusion

We are delighted to have been awarded a £250,000 contract by the UK Atomic Energy Authority!   This significant contract will help fund the development of prototyping a multi-use Photon Doppler Velocimetry system to conduct a feasibility study on a novel, robust diagnostic for use in fusion power plants, testing various factors and areas. This leverages our market-leading diagnostic expertise developed from our end-to-end fusion capability.   Tests of the system will be carried out on Machine 3 - our in-house pulsed power machine which is the largest of its kind in Europe. Machine 3 can replicate the harsh conditions in a potential fusion power plant - making it a critical enabler of inertial fusion energy (IFE) research.    We are delighted that the government is backing the future of the UK fusion sector with today's announcement and look forward to being part of UK public and private organisations working collaboratively on this national endeavour. Fusion power has unparalleled potential to provide the UK with increased energy security and resilience, which drives First light’s mission: to power a world worth inheriting.  #fusioniscoming #fusionenergy

Smashing records 💥 Sandia’s Z Machine, the world’s largest pulsed-power device, was used to unlock record-breaking pressures, achieving levels that are equivalent to 10 times the pressure at the center of the Earth. Using First Light Fusion's unique amplifier technology, the experiment shattered the previous record, moving closer to a quicker, cheaper path to commercial fusion. “The Z Fundamental Science Program provides unique opportunities to partner with industry and academic institutions to advance our understanding of matter under extreme conditions. This tremendous achievement is a testament to the capabilities of FLF and a good example of how these collaborations are beneficial to the company, Sandia, our national security program and the scientific community,” said Greg Rochau, director of pulsed power sciences at Sandia. Read more about the breakthrough: https://bit.ly/4kVvo0j

"Fusion is the ultimate challenge with the ultimate reward. It requires the collective efforts of thousands of scientists and engineers, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to create a clean, limitless energy source. Being even a small part of that journey is incredible." In the latest installment of our Meet the Team series, our VP of Commercial and Partnerships Paul Holligan unpacks his journey into the fusion sector and tells us what he loves most about being part of the First Light team. Follow the link in the comments for more.

Ever wondered what it’s like to witness a record-breaking pressure shot on the most powerful pulsed power machine in the world? Our COO Ryan Ramsey spills the inside scoop on our record breaking trip to Sandia National Laboratories last month in his latest blog - check it out now!

"For me, it’s about putting together the right teams to collaboratively go and solve those challenges...We’ll get there faster if we do that than if we do it all on our own. If the pursuit is to make commercial fusion a reality, we should be behind that pursuit. If we get there faster by leveraging our technology, let’s go down that pathway." Our CEO Mark Thomas spoke to Rachael Zisk, Lead Reporter at Ignition News, to dive deep into our new First Light company strategy, which will see us partner with public and private researchers and innovators to make commercial fusion energy a reality - fast. Find out how our amplifier technology will unlock a simpler path to commercial fusion and what inspired Mark to join the rapidly-growing fusion sector at the link in comments.

It was incredible to be part of this successful test at the astonishing Z Machine in Sandia National Laboratories! A huge credit to the expertise of the First Light Fusion 🇬🇧 Scientists & Engineers, the dedication of the team back at base, the professionalism and collaboration of everyone at the Lab 🇺🇸 A record-breaking result with our unique amplifier technology ⭐️ We smashed it!! #teamwork #innovation #power

We’ve set a new record on the Sandia National Laboratories Z Machine! We are delighted to announce that, during our visit to Sandia National Lab in February, we unlocked a world-record for the highest quartz pressure achieved on the Z Machine, with our proprietary First Light amplifier technology. Located in Albuquerque, the Z Machine is the largest and most powerful pulsed power machine in the world. With a peak power of 80 trillion watts, more than the world’s entire electricity grid, it electromagnetically launches projectiles to higher velocities than any other facility in the world. As part of Sandia’s ‘Z Fundamental Science’ programme, we have had the opportunity to fire shots on the machine to test our amplifier technology and validate our simulations. We fired our first shot in February 2024, setting a record at the time of 1.85 terapascal (TPa). Last month, the team doubled that record – achieving an output pressure of 3.67 TPa – equivalent to 10 times the pressure at the centre of the earth. We are delighted to have further proven the capability of our unique amplifier technology – which will ultimately unlock a quicker, cheaper and simpler path to commercial fusion – the last clean energy source the world needs. Follow the link in the comments for all the details. Ryan Ramsey Mark Thomas Jonathan Skidmore Paul Holligan Guy Burdiak

It was great to discuss the importance of investing in training and skills to drive the future of the fusion energy sector with colleagues from UK Atomic Energy Authority and Tokamak Energy last week.   Grace Brett-Drinkwater, Hayley Taylor and Jacqui Dalziel joined our Head of Human Resources Astrid Stanley to brainstorm ideas for the joint ‘FOSTER programme Industry CPD Scheme’, which aims to improve training opportunities in the skills and expertise that will accelerate progress on the road to commercial fusion energy. The collaborative group discussed how together we could: ✅ Provide non-technical training (such as commercial awareness) to technical roles ✅ Provide technical awareness training to non-technical roles ✅ Consider cross-organisational placements to unlock new upskilling opportunities We look forward to building on the fruitful partnership going forward! Watch this space...

Our COO, Ryan Ramsey spoke to NucNet: Independent Nuclear News, to share insights on the challenges and opportunities on the race to make commercial fusion energy a reality.    Ryan explored how AI and machine learning are accelerating the discovery of new fusion materials and techniques, and discussed the importance of both public and private investment in ensuring the UK remains competitive in the global fusion race.   Follow the link in the comments to read the full article.

Great to be at Space-Comm Expo in London, First Light Fusion’s first real exposure to the space industry, and it’s been both informative and inspiring. As we expand into space debris impact testing, we’ve had fantastic conversations with potential collaborators and customers, learning more about the challenges the industry faces and how our world-class capabilities and facilities can help. It was also great to catch up with Tom Clayson, an ex-First Light colleague and co-founder of Magdrive, who has firmly established himself within the space ecosystem. Always inspiring to see familiar faces making an impact in new frontiers. Excited about the opportunities ahead and looking forward to working with those who share our passion for science and innovation in space. If you’re at the event and want to chat, let’s connect! #SpaceCommExpo #FirstLightFusion #SpaceDebris #Innovation #Collaboration #Magdrive