U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright visited the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) on Aug. 20 at a pivotal time for the race toward reliable fusion energy, which decisions made in Washington over the next few years will impact.

Founded over 70 years ago, PPPL leads America’s research into plasma, the electrically charged fourth state of matter, and uses artificial intelligence (AI) and human expertise to advance a number of the nation’s scientific priorities, including bringing commercial fusion energy to the electrical grid, innovating techniques for computer chip fabrication and developing quantum computing and sensing technologies. 

Wright visited as a part of his ongoing mission to visit all 17 of the DOE’s national laboratories. He met with leadership from PPPL, Princeton University, DOE and private industry partners. PPPL Director Steven Cowley presented an overview of PPPL’s history, its fusion strategy and the Lab’s efforts to diversify its research portfolio to address national priorities.

During his visit, Wright learned how PPPL is collaborating with venture capital firm SOSV HAX and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to create the NJ HAX Plasma Forge. 

He also engaged with leaders from private fusion companies that rely on PPPL for scientific support. They included David Gates from Thea Energy, a company spun out of PPPL research; Cary Forest and Derek Sutherland from Realta Fusion; and Michael Ginsberg, Erik Mårtensson and Laura Zhang from Tokamak Energy. 

Solving a grand scientific challenge 

Wright also visited PPPL’s National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U), a fusion device known as a spherical tokamak that allows scientists to determine the best conditions for producing fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. 

Shaped like an apple with its core removed, NSTX-U is the largest spherical tokamak in the U.S. and is designed to be the most powerful spherical tokamak in the world. Scientists are interested in studying the spherical tokamak concept because these types of compact machines could produce energy more efficiently than conventional, doughnut-shaped tokamaks.

“Forty-three years ago, I went to college to study fusion energy,” Wright said. “It’s an immensely exciting field that I’m still passionate about.”

“NSTX-U is critically important to America’s fusion program,” Cowley said. “It will show the nation and the world how a pilot spherical tokamak fusion plant could lead to commercial fusion."

“In addition to confining energy more efficiently than typical tokamaks do, compact reactors like NSTX-U could have less massive magnets and be cheaper to build, possibly representing the best design for a commercial fusion power plant,” said Jonathan Menard, deputy director for research. 

Wright also met members of PPPL’s apprenticeship program during the stop, learning about the first-in-the-nation apprenticeship in fusion energy and engineering. Andrew Carpe, apprentice program technical administrator, provided an overview of the program, while James Henderson Jr. and Abigail Fellnor, both apprentices, shared their enthusiasm for working at PPPL.

“It is an honor, a privilege and a blessing to work at PPPL,” said Henderson. “I am excited to go to work every day.”

Facilities and partnerships for innovation

At the Fusion Research and Technology Hub test cell, PPPL’s new space for next-generation fusion experiments and technology, Wright learned about its unique infrastructure to support private partners in fusion research. 

“We have the scientific know-how and engineering expertise to make new industry ideas a reality,” said Laura Berzak Hopkins, associate laboratory director for strategy and partnerships and deputy chief research officer. “That’s why PPPL is an ideal partner for private companies.”

Wright and his cohort also learned about PPPL’s partnerships with other science-based organizations around the world. 

“PPPL collaborates with experimental fusion facilities across the country and globally, accelerating scientific discovery through shared expertise and cutting-edge diagnostics,” said Luis Delgado-Aparicio, head of advanced projects. In one newly approved example, PPPL will deploy an advanced sensor known as a diagnostic on the JT-60SA tokamak in Japan, he said, allowing for unprecedented precision.

Wright tours PPPL’s new Quantum Diamond Laboratory and learns how plasma shapes the fabrication of quantum computing materials.

Photo by Michael Livingston / PPPL Office of Communications

Unlocking the mysteries of the universe

At the newly opened Facility for Laboratory Reconnection Experiments (FLARE), Wright learned about PPPL’s efforts to understand magnetic reconnection, when magnetic fields suddenly change shape and release enormous amounts of energy. This new facility is expanding our understanding of solar flares, the aurora borealis and atmospheric disturbances that could damage satellites and power grids. It is also improving our understanding of fusion plasma behavior.

FLARE is a DOE collaborative facility and a national resource where scientists from the Lab, universities and private companies will carry out cutting-edge research and development. In the process, FLARE provides hands-on opportunities and experience for students, interns and apprentices — the leaders of tomorrow. 

“FLARE is a one-of-a-kind device designed to probe the physics behind magnetic reconnection, one of the most fundamental, yet still not fully understood phenomena in the universe,” said Erik Gilson, head of discovery plasma science. “And it could only be built here at a national laboratory, where experiments, simulations and theory come together.”

“I’m a strong believer in the national laboratories, not just for the practical applications of their research, but also because of the basic science they conduct,” Wright said. “To me, doing basic science and trying to understand how the cosmos works is part of what it means to be human. I also believe that funding basic science is absolutely essential, and, therefore, a fundamental mission of the government.”

Diamond-based materials for quantum computing and sensing

During his visit, Wright turned on a quantum reactor, ushering in phase two of operations at the Quantum Diamond Laboratory (QDL), which opened in 2024. 

QDL allows scientists to study and refine the processes involved in using plasma to create high-quality diamond material for quantum information science applications. 

Wright and his team were greeted by Emily Carter, associate laboratory director for AMSS, who gave the secretary an overview of efforts to diversify the Lab’s research portfolio. Wright also met with Alastair Stacey, head of quantum materials and devices at PPPL and one of the world’s leading quantum diamond experts, and Kiran Kumar Kovi, a staff research physicist.

Scientists worldwide are exploring quantum diamond as a potential material for making faster computer chips and sensors that work with unparalleled accuracy, even in extreme environments. 

“In QDL, we’re growing pieces of diamond especially modified for new quantum technologies such as sensors that can be used in personalized medicine and future quantum computers,” Stacey said. “We’re also exploring how diamond-based materials can augment silicon in next-generation microchips that will support everything from personal laptops to the national defense systems keeping the nation safe.

“By leading the way in this space, we are helping the U.S. maintain leadership in high-performance computing and quantum material development.”

Driving scientific discovery

Wright also learned about new efforts at PPPL to advance fusion research by harnessing high-powered computing and AI. 

He met the Lab’s leading AI experts and students, including Shantenu Jha, head of computational sciences; Michael Churchill, head of digital engineering; and Egemen Kolemen, a staff research physicist.

The researchers explained how PPPL develops the artificially intelligent and traditional computer codes needed to solve fundamental plasma science problems. 

“Here at PPPL, we develop the computer codes that advance a range of plasma science fields and refine commercial fusion reactor design,” Jha said. “With breakthroughs in theory, control systems and diagnostics, fusion is no longer guesswork. Our models and simulations, increasingly infused with the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, can predict plasma behavior with confidence, allowing us to improve our designs for fusion power plants without building costly prototypes.” 

“I think using AI to control plasma instabilities and help find the optimal geometries for fusion devices will be the extra enabler that will make fusion energy work,” Wright said. “But not only that, AI will also help us design and build commercial fusion power plants by showing us the most practical, cost-effective approaches.”

Wright also toured the construction site of PPPL’s upcoming Princeton Plasma Innovation Center (PPIC), the Lab’s first new building in decades, and signed one of the steel beams that will be used in the building’s construction. 

Encompassing 71,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility will serve as an international hub of fusion research, incorporating three of the Lab’s strengths: computation, engineering and advanced materials research.

At the end of the visit, Wright joined Cowley for a talk, addressing a packed auditorium of PPPL staff members. 

They discussed DOE’s vision for the future of energy and innovation, from advancing fusion as a firm energy source to securing U.S. leadership in AI and quantum technologies. They also highlighted the critical role national laboratories play in advancing these priorities and strengthening America’s competitiveness.

“Thanks to all of you for working at this facility,” Wright said. “You’re doing incredible science with great people, and you’re going to change the world.”

At the end of the visit, Wright joined PPPL Director Steven Cowley for a talk, addressing an auditorium of PPPL staff members. 

Photo by Michael Livingston / PPPL Office of Communications