DOE-Backed Report Urges National Push on Fusion Diagnostics to Meet Mid-2030s Goals

Overview

• Led by Luis Delgado-Aparicio and Sean Regan, a DOE Fusion Energy Sciences workshop report draws on 70 experts to identify diagnostics as a near-term bottleneck to commercial fusion.
• The report proposes a national CalibrationNetUS, modeled on LaserNetUS, to standardize calibrations, coordinate facilities, and unify public–private measurement efforts.
• It calls for radiation-tolerant sensors for pilot plants, ultra-fast measurements for inertial confinement fusion, and the use of AI, digital twins, and validated codes to speed design and verification.
• Recommendations include forming national implementation teams, building a workforce pipeline, transferring public-sector know-how to industry, and planning now for remote operation and maintenance.
• The findings are intended to guide DOE and Congress and align with mid-2030s milestones, with no new funding commitments or formal program launches announced.