Research activities emerging from the THRILL project continue to gain momentum: On 1 May 2026, Yannik Zobus, a laser physicist working on the THRILL project at GSI/FAIR in Darmstadt, launched the new fusion initiative “LASE-FUSE” (LAser Simulation for Enhanced FUSion Efficiency). As part of Germany’s BMFTR “Fusionstalente” (Fusion Talents) funding program, the project will receive three million euros in funding over five years. This is the second time that a THRILL member has been awarded funding through the BMFTR initiative.
The LASE-FUSE project aims to advance next-generation high-power laser systems for laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, in which tiny fuel capsules are compressed and heated by high-energy laser pulses to achieve fusion ignition. To address the extreme technical complexity of these systems, LASE-FUSE is developing a modular simulation framework that acts as a digital twin, enabling integrated modeling of all key laser components, from generation and amplification to beam transport.
The project combines previously fragmented simulation approaches into a unified tool for the virtual optimization of complex laser systems already during the design phase, accelerating development and identifying risks at an early stage. LASE-FUSE also investigates advanced concepts to improve laser-to-target coupling efficiency, including spatio-temporally structured laser pulses and temporally adaptive focusing (“focal zooming”), while developing realistic detector models to strengthen the connection between simulations and experiments.
Zobus established the scientific basis for LASE-FUSE during his work on the THRILL project, where he is part of the team that develops the OPOSSUM (OPen-source Optics Simulation System and Unified Modeler) platform for the holistic modelling of high-power laser systems. This approach has already demonstrated the potential of holistic modelling of high-power laser systems. LASE-FUSE now specifically extends this approach towards fusion-relevant applications, representing an important step towards creating an open, widely usable simulation tool for international high-energy laser research.
“The work carried out within THRILL has been essential for the launch of LASE-FUSE. Building on the expertise, collaborative environment, and the OPOSSUM simulation framework developed within THRILL, the project allows us to advance holistic laser modelling further towards fusion-energy applications,” says Dr. Yannik Zobus.
Yannik Zobus is the second “fusion talent” at THRILL and GSI/FAIR – following Jonas Ohland, who already received funding in the framework of the BMFTR program in 2025 for his research initiative “ALADIN”. Both of their groups underline THRILL’s broader impact in strengthening expertise and fostering early-career talent in the field of high-intensity laser science.
About the „Fusionstalente“ program
“Fusionstalente” – a young investigators program, initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) – aims to strengthen expertise in fusion research by fostering the development of young scientific talent. It supports early-career researchers through targeted funding of their own group, training opportunities, and access to cutting-edge fusion research facilities. By investing in the next generation of fusion scientists, the program contributes to advancing sustainable and innovative energy solutions in Germany and Europe. The Fusionstalente program is part of the funding program “Fusion 2040 – Research on the Way to the Fusion Power Plant”.
Images: J. Hornung, GSI/FAIR, K. Geißler
