Goodfellow Materials Power Historic Fusion Ignition Breakthrough at LLNL

On 5 December 2022, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) achieved fusion ignition at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) — the first time in history that a laboratory experiment produced more energy from a fusion reaction than was used to initiate it.

The experiment involved firing 192 high-powered lasers onto a target of deuterium and tritium roughly the size of a BB pellet. Delivering 2.05 megajoules of laser energy, LLNL scientists achieved a fusion energy output of 3.15 megajoules — a net energy gain that confirms the fundamental principles of inertial confinement fusion. The result was peer-reviewed and independently verified.

Goodfellow supplied critical specialist materials that contributed directly to this achievement — materials selected and delivered to the precise specifications the experiment demanded.

Goodfellow's Head of Technical, Dr. Aphrodite Tomou, described the result as "exciting to have played a small, but critical part in supporting them on their journey to this discovery." The breakthrough was described by U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm as "one of the most impressive scientific feats of the 21st century."

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | GoodfellowLawrence Livermore National Laboratory | Goodfellow

The LLNL historic experiment achieved the first instance of scientific breakeven controlled fusion, with an energy gain factor of 1.5.

This milestone represents a transformative step toward fusion as a viable source of clean, near-limitless energy — and a demonstration of the role precision materials supply plays in enabling scientific discovery at the highest level.

75+
Years of facilitating scientific innovation
170K
Huge range of advanced materials
111+
Countries served globally
ISO 9001
Quality assured products

75+

Years of facilitating scientific innovation
 

170K

Huge range of advanced materials

111

Countries served globally

ISO9001

Quality assured products

Materials Used in Fusion Research

Goodfellow Cambridge provides a comprehensive selection of advanced materials designed specifically for fusion research applications. Our materials meet the highest standards for durability, stability, and performance in extreme environments. Additionally, we offer custom manufacturing and material production services—if our standard product range doesn’t meet your needs, please contact us to discuss tailored solutions.

Metals with High Hydrogen Permeability for Fusion Research Applications

In fusion research, metals with high hydrogen permeability play critical roles in processes like hydrogen separation and tritium recovery. Goodfellow can support the following key metals and their alloys for optimizing hydrogen and tritium management in fusion reactors. Their selection depends on specific application requirements, including permeability, strength, selectivity for hydrogen and resistance to embrittlement.

PALLADIUM ALLOYS

VANADIUM ALLOYS

TUNGSTEN ALLOYS

NICKEL ALLOYS

STEEL ALLOYS

CERAMICS

Working as your experienced partner in the nuclear fusion sector, we can find and supply the highest quality materials for your products. Our nuclear energy applications and innovative alloys can help you achieve unparalleled performance and better energy efficiency in building and plant design.

Why Goodfellow?

  • No minimum order
  • Over 170,000 advanced materials and 5,000 reference materials
  • Supply Chain Management:
    sourcing custom materials for your needs
  • Materials customization:
    Custom parts for prototyping | Full product modification | Micro-machining | Microfabrication | Rolling
  • Free and fast delivery:
    Worldwide shipping and customs clearance, to your door. All orders are dispatched within 48 hours
  • Commercial arrangements:
    Call off orders | Buffer stock | Fixed and contract pricing* | Discounts for increased volumes
  • We help you innovate into the future.
*Conditions apply

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Resources and References

Zinkle, S. J., & Was, G. S. (2013). Materials challenges in nuclear energy. Acta Materialia, 61(3), 735–758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2012.11.004  

IAEA (2016) https://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1715web-46541668.pdf, accessed January 2023

About Goodfellow

For over 75 years, we've been your trusted partner in scientific advancement, supporting researchers and businesses globally with high-quality advanced materials.

Our comprehensive catalog features over 170,000 speciality materials, forms and components, which are available from small research quantities to larger production requirements. We offer you fast dispatch and complimentary global delivery, ensuring an exceptional customer experience.