The Department of Applied Physics at the University of Alicante is participating in the European project FEMaS-CA, whose goal is the characterization of the key materials required for the generation of fusion energy.

The search for, and development of, new sources of economically viable energy with minimal environmental impact, is a necessity nowadays. Fusion energy is one of these possible sources with huge potential. In fact, it’s the force that makes the sun shine but to control it is not easy: for 50 years, physicists have been trying to capture the power of the stars in the laboratory.

One way of approaching this high level of energy is magnetic confinement of an extremely hot gas called plasma. In order to achieve this, enormous fusion reactors are used. However, one of the biggest concerns of those who design these reactors is finding adequate materials to withstand such extreme conditions, while at the same time avoiding the creation of radioactive products.

The University of Alicante is participating in the European project FEMaS-CA through its Department of Applied Physics, led by Dr. Maria José Caturla. This group is working on modeling and identifying these materials, and determining the requirements they must satisfy. The researchers in the project are searching for materials that can withstand high levels of radiation and avoid changes in their mechanical, optical, electrical or thermal properties, depending on their function.