Areas of Research
Fusion has the potential to transform global energy markets as a source of virtually limitless, clean, safe and secure energy for all. Fusion power plants could be located anywhere in the world and integrated into the energy system, providing both electricity for the grid and heat for industrial processes. Fusion energy can directly replace fossil fuel sources to supply the thermal energy needed for industrial processes like metals, chemicals and hydrogen production.
A commercial fusion plant would be fuelled using two isotopes of hydrogen – deuterium and tritium. The fuel would be heated to form a plasma, an ionized gas comprised of charged particles which can be confined and controlled by powerful magnetic fields. At temperatures of over 100 million degrees Celsius, the deuterium and tritium combine to produce helium and neutrons, releasing enormous amounts of energy.
Tokamak Energy is home to over 250 employees with world-class scientific, engineering and commercial expertise. They have 77 families of patent applications and have raised $250 million; $200M from private investors and $50M from the UK and US governments.
The Use of Covesion PPLN Technology
Tokamak Energy are developing the two technologies that offer the most efficient and commercially attractive route to fusion energy; the compact spherical tokamak and high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets.
Their ST40 high-field compact spherical tokamak is the most advanced of its kind in the world.
In 2022, they demonstrated a world-first plasma ion temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius, over six times hotter than the centre of the sun, and considered the threshold for fusion energy.
Comprehensive measurement of the fusion plasma is a key requirement for precise control of the fusion conditions.
Covesion has supplied a complete frequency conversion solution for performing second harmonic generation (SHG) at 1560nm. The solution comprises bulk PPLN crystals, compatible ovens, high precision temperature controllers and mounting adapters for robust integration into the customers optical system. The PPLN solution was used to generate second harmonic light for a dispersion interferometer laser diagnostic, this optical tool providing important measurement data of the fusion plasma.
Why Covesion?
“Covesion provides high quality, mature PPLN solutions – a key requirement for the fusion energy supply chain. The products are highly reliable with excellent performance characteristics and ease of use.
The customer service and technical support we received from Covesion was excellent from start to finish. The products delivered on every level.”
Dr. Tadas Pyragius, Plasma Diagnostician,
Tokamak Energy
