Origin Story
2017
Steve learns about the dense plasma focus (DPF) fusion device when helping with the documentary Let There Be Light.
2018
The Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded to ultrafast lasers, which are also new. A thought forms.
2019
March 17th pub meeting with Paul in Aix-en-Provence (FR): “What about combining ultrafast lasers with a DPF?” “I don’t think anyone has tried it yet.”
2020
Steve moves back to Canada just in time for the pandemic.
2021
A comprehensive review of DPF scientific papers reveals a rich and underappreciated field of study, and many overlaps with the physics of mainstream magnetic fusion machines.
A test device is built with $200 in parts from China, a 3D printer, and a mason jar.
Steve reads Paul’s book on what happens when you shoot things with ultrafast lasers.
2022
A first trip to Eindhoven (NL), a prime location because it is home to ASML and Project Elpis has technical overlaps with EUV lithography, making the local expertise and supply chain very attractive. Gert and Steve start to hang out.
A deep dive into the world of ultrafast lasers. Steve learns to run the EPOCH laser simulation software.
The conceptual design for a micro fusion power plant is completed.
2023
Second trip: Paul, Gert, and Steve have dinner at a Bavarian restaurant in Cologne and formally commit to Project Elpis.
The decision is made to proceed as an open science, non-profit focused research organization (FRO).
Joris starts his Masters project.
An extended period of EPOCH simulations to study laser pulse sequencing and complex geometries.
First approach to philanthropists.
2024
Miranda joins Project Elpis.
Third trip: Visits with potential strategic partners. The technical case is presented to several audiences for review.
Elpis Fusion is registered in Europe via the Estonian e-residency program.
The Juelich Supercomputing Center provides the first formal Letter of Support.
Meetings with several foundations, confirming that raising money for an ambitious fusion FRO is very difficult.
The first spin-off company, Nexus Fusion, is formulated to self-fund Project Elpis.
2025
Gert frees up more time.
Submission to EuroHPC (EU) for millions of computer hours on LUMI (FI).
First investor! Feels amazing. The prototype machine will be called “Patricia.”
A crowdsourcing effort will launch soon. European Commission grant applications are being prepared. Nexus Fusion attends an investor conference in Silicon Valley.