A landmark step toward achieving laser fusion power generation
The world’s first experiment to irradiate targets continuously for one hour by applying high-energy pulsed lasers

2025/07/31
  • Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    EX-Fusion Inc

Hamamatsu Photonics laser fusion experiment facility and an experiment chamber owned by EX-Fusion

Hamamatsu Photonics laser fusion experiment facility and an experiment chamber owned by EX-Fusion

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. and EX-Fusion Inc have conducted a joint experiment to demonstrate essential technology for laser fusion research. This initiative involved the continuous irradiation of simulant fuel targets using high-energy pulsed lasers. If the technologies used in this demonstration are successfully established, this could lead to an innovative laser fusion approach that overturns conventional wisdom and could transform the energy industry.

Laser fusion research currently in progress around the world is mainly based on experiments using single-shot laser irradiation, “an experimental technique for irradiating a laser beam in just a single burst.” In the future, the goal is to achieve a more efficient and stable energy generation. Experiments using continuous pulse laser irradiation as “a new experimental technique to constantly emit laser beams” are expected to become mainstream.

If the technologies established through this demonstration advance, it will become possible to continuously irradiate actual fuel targets using kilojoule-class pulsed lasers. This would significantly increase opportunities for researchers to conduct laser fusion experiments, potentially leading to the invention of innovative laser fusion approaches. Therefore, we believe that such an environment for continuous pulsed laser irradiation could become a game-changer in energy innovation.

Laser fusion research, utilizing continuous irradiation from kilojoule-class lasers, is expected to accelerate worldwide within the next five years. The results and knowledge gained from this demonstration experiment will inform future government-sponsored projects and serve as a significant step toward making laser fusion power generation a reality.

According to our survey. Experimental conditions: laser energy 10 joules, repetition rate 10 Hz, target tracking