Steven Ivancic and Dr. Ethan Burnham-Fay
Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester
Will present a talk titled:
The University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics: A Unique National Resource
Driving innovation and education in science, engineering, and technology for over fifty years
Abstract: The University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics conducts a variety of High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) experiments for the purpose of national security, fusion energy, and scientific discovery on the Omega Facility. One focus of LLE’s science program is direct drive nuclear fusion experiments in support of the National Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program. Time dependent morphology of imploded capsules at and around stagnation provides a key observable in the assessment of implosion performance. The size, shape and offset of the stagnated fuel is the product of multidimensional effects arising from laser beam imbalance, capsule non-uniformity and initial target offset. Cryogenic deuterium-tritium layered implosions are at peak thermonuclear output with time-gated x-ray imagers capable of 30-ps temporal resolution and < 10-um spatial resolution to capture the three-dimensional nature of the core. Delivering an ~1 mm spherical target filled with Deuterium and/or Tritium ice held at <20 K to the center of an ~10 ft spherical vacuum chamber is an extremely complex engineering challenge. How this is achieved on a regular basis will be discussed. Further engineering solutions such as diagnostic positioning, large optic alignment, and vacuum and cryogenic design will be presented.
Date: February 7, 2025
Location: Snell 214
Time: 11:00am
ZOOM Link for virtual attendance:
https://clarkson.zoom.us/j/92323809321?pwd=5mfZAIT98Pxm9cjYLuTwCRUBLPpy2u.1
Bio: Steven Ivancic is the group leader for Diagnostic Development and Integration at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. He received his BS, MS, and PhD from the University of Rochester, all in Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses in the development of instrumentation in support of experimental high-energy-density physics. The specific applications of which are in x-ray imaging, detector development, and time-dependent spectroscopy, with application to the assessment of implosion performance of cryogenic deuterium–tritium fuel in directly driven thermonuclear fusion experiments at the Omega Laser Facility. As the leader of the Diagnostic Development and Integration Group, he oversees the implementation of new diagnostic capabilities at the Omega Laser Facility, and works closely with scientific, engineering, and operations teams to ensure safe and scientifically reliable results from the facility for all users. He is the recipient of the National Nuclear Stockpile Administration Defense Program’s Award of Excellence and sits on the leadership committee for the National Diagnostic Working Group.
Bio: Dr. Ethan Burnham-Fay is a Research Engineer in the ME Design Group at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, and an Assistant Professor in the ME Department at the University of Rochester. He received his BS, MS, and PhD from the University of Rochester, all in Mechanical Engineering. Before joining the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, he taught full time at the University of Rochester, teaching courses from first year statics all the way to graduate level precision engineering. At the LLE, his work has focused on cryogenic design, finite element analysis, mentoring of undergraduates, and applied design. His research areas of interest are solid mechanics, vibrations, metrology, finite element analysis, and applied design.