SUNY Geneseo Physics & Astronomy Colloquium

by Alenna Streeter

Thursday October 24, 2024 

at 4:00 pm in Newton 204

Abstract: Sydor Technologies based in Fairport, NY, designs and develops comprehensive
solutions alongside leading research organizations to commercialize the latest in next-generation
measurement technology. Most recently, in collaboration with the Laboratory for Laser Energetics
(LLE) at the University of Rochester, Sydor Technologies has been awarded a $1.15 million
Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) towards commercialization of the Plasma Electrode Pockels Cell (PEPC)—an emerging
technology poised to revolutionize high-power laser systems for Inertial Fusion Energy.
 

The PEPC was originally developed to enable high-power multi-pass amplification at the National
Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Lan (LLNL), and later transferred to the LLE
for use in the OMEGA EP and FLUX laser systems. High-energy Inertial Confinement Fusion
(ICF) drivers require apertures on the order of 40 cm, much larger than what can be reasonably
achieved with traditional Pockels cell technology. The critical development in the PEPC system
is the introduction of a plasma chamber on either side of the Pockels cell crystal, forming large
aperture transparent electrodes. Paired with supporting technologies, a commercially available
PEPC will support modular laser designs for ease of maintenance as well as higher repetition
rates approaching 10 Hz, an essential requirement for viable Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE).
 

This talk will explore the fundamental principles and applications of PEPC technology while
highlighting the ongoing collaboration between Sydor Technologies and the University of
Rochester. Attendees will gain unique perspective on the intersection of academic research and
industrial development in the field of high-energy physics happening in our shared Rochester
community.