The dream of harnessing the power of the stars to deliver near-limitless, clean electricity has long remained just that – a dream.

However, this dream may soon become reality, thanks in part to the work being done here at System C.

Understanding Nuclear Fusion

In stars like our Sun, immense energy and heat are generated through nuclear fusion, where atomic nuclei collide at extremely high speeds to form a larger nucleus. Attempts to replicate this process in laboratories, using costly high-density lasers or magnetic fields with superheated plasmas, have so far struggled to reach the point where the energy produced exceeds the energy consumed.

First Light Fusion’s Innovative Approach

Oxford University spin-off First Light Fusion is pursuing a different approach known as inertial confinement fusion. This method involves firing a high-speed projectile at a fluid-filled container to generate a shockwave, which then collapses the fuel cavity with such intensity that temperatures rise to fusion levels.

With our expertise in mathematics, physics, and high-performance computing, System C was the natural choice to develop the advanced modelling software needed to transition this concept from a lab-scale test rig toward a functional fusion reactor.

While First Light Fusion’s team focused on the physics, we designed and implemented the software—ensuring it would eventually run seamlessly on supercomputers. Our models underwent rigorous testing to ensure accuracy and robustness, particularly in complex edge-case scenarios that have challenged numerical models in the past.

Final Validation & The Future

The final validation, carried out entirely by First Light Fusion, compared experimental images of the target collapsing with our simulations, confirming that the two aligned.

Now, the world waits with bated breath to see if First Light Fusion’s approach to achieving fusion will succeed.