Title: ARPAE- Fusion Portfolio: Status and Perspectives

Abstract: The Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) has the mission to advance high-impact technologies that have the potential to transform the energy industry. This seminar will discuss fusion energy research and development, guided by the innovative efforts within ARPA-E’s programs: BETHE, GAMOW, and CHADWICK. BETHE aims to catalyze the transition of fusion from theoretical and experimental stages to practical, commercial energy solutions by fostering novel technologies and methodologies. GAMOW seeks to bridge the gap between fusion technology and market demand, focusing on enhancing system performance and material durability under extreme conditions. The recently launched CHADWICK program aims to leverage advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence, high entropy alloys, and rapid synthesis to tackle irradiation damage to enable commercial fusion energy. Finally, I will discuss ideas for novel programs in developments.

Bio: Dr. Ahmed Diallo is a Program Director at the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), where he advances commercial fusion energy by guiding and overseeing transformative research projects.

Before joining ARPA-E, Diallo worked at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory for 13 years. He served as Principal Research Physicist and the Head of the Advanced Diagnostics Development Division. During his tenure at PPPL, Diallo developed advanced lasers, X-rays, and other diagnostic techniques in support of  microelectronics, quantum computing, high-energy-density plasmas, and magnetic fusion plasma research. He also served as the Deputy Director for the public-private Innovation Network for Fusion Energy partnership, where he planned, directed, and evaluated research activities in partnership with national labs, universities, and private industries. While at PPPL, Diallo was a recipient of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Early Career Research Program Award, was honored as a DOE Oppenheimer Fellow, and was named a PPPL Distinguished Research Fellow.

Prior to his time at PPPL, Diallo served as a Research Fellow at the Australian National University, and as a Post-Doctoral Scientist at the Swiss Plasma Center at the Swiss Federal Technical Institute. He holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Iowa.