Celebrating 3 Years of Fusion Ignition: Advanced Materials Driving the Future of Clean Energy

On December 5, 2022, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a historic breakthrough: fusion ignition, producing more energy than was delivered to the target. This milestone marked the first time humanity had crossed the threshold of controlled fusion energy, and it has since become a catalyst for innovation across science, engineering, and industry.

Fusion Progress Since 2022

As highlighted recently in the October publication of Chemical & Engineering News cen.acs.org, the past three years have seen extraordinary advancements:

• Ten ignition experiments have been conducted at NIF, with steadily increasing yields — proof that ignition is reproducible and scalable.
• High‑temperature superconductors (HTS), particularly yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) tape, have enabled compact, powerful magnets for tokamak reactors. These materials are reshaping the economics and feasibility of magnetic confinement fusion.
• Laser systems continue to evolve, with large single crystals of deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP/DKDP) playing a critical role in converting infrared laser light to ultraviolet wavelengths — essential for driving fusion reactions.
• Startups worldwide are accelerating development, backed by nearly $10 billion in investment, with several demonstration reactors planned before 2030.

ProChem Inc.’s Role in Fusion Materials

At ProChem Inc., we are proud to contribute to these breakthroughs by supplying the high‑purity KDP required to grow the massive crystals used in NIF’s laser systems. These crystals are indispensable for converting and controlling the powerful laser beams that make ignition possible.

Beyond KDP, ProChem also manufactures and supplies the metal‑organic precursors used to produce YBCO tape — the foundation of the high‑temperature superconducting magnets driving the next generation of fusion reactors. Together, these materials represent two of the most critical enablers of fusion technology: precision optics and superconducting magnets.

Looking Ahead

Fusion energy is no longer “always 30 years away.” With ignition achieved and materials science advancing rapidly, the question is now when fusion will become a practical energy source. As startups and established companies expand their manufacturing capacity, ProChem stands ready to partner and supply the advanced materials that will power this transformation.

We celebrate this anniversary not only as a scientific milestone, but as a reminder of the role that materials innovation — and companies like ProChem — play in shaping the future of clean, limitless energy.

ProChem Employees celebrating with commemorative Fusion Ignition t-shirts