This panel brings together experts from academia, national laboratories, and industry to assess the current state and future direction of laser‑driven inertial fusion energy (IFE). Panelists will discuss recent technical progress, active research priorities, and remaining scientific and engineering challenges across laser technologies, target physics, materials, and system integration.

Moderator

William G. Schulz Managing Editor Photonics Focus magazine (United States)

Panelists

Lukas Gruber Director, Business Development Leonardo Electronics US Inc. (United States)

Mark F. Spencer Robert M. Edmund Endowed Chair in Optical Sciences Professor of Optical Sciences Univ. of Arizona (United States)

Matthew F. Wolford Head Electron Beam Science & Applications Section, Laser Plasma Branch 6733 U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (United States)

Krishna Muralidharan Director, Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Univ. of Arizona (United States)

 

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Event Details

FORMAT: Panel discussion followed by audience Q&A.
MENU: Coffee, decaf, tea and water will be available nearby.
SETUP: Theater seating