From Lab to Grid: Advancing Pockels Cell Technology for Scalable Fusion Energy
- | Online Webinar - 10AM (EDT) / 3PM (UK)
As fusion energy pushes toward commercial viability, the demand for high-performance, scalable optical components is accelerating. Pockels cells—key photonic switches for high-energy laser systems—are emerging as foundational to the future of inertial fusion energy (IFE).
In this joint webinar, G&H and Sydor Technologies trace the evolution of Pockels cell technology from bespoke lab components to commercially manufacturable systems purpose-built for next-gen fusion platforms.
The webinar begins with the foundation: crystal growth. G&H will share insights into the challenges of growing and preparing large-aperture electro-optic crystals like KDP and KD*P, which are critical to enabling high-contrast switching. We then trace the journey from crystal to device, examining how Pockels cells are optimized for multi-pass laser amplification and why the plasma-electrode Pockels cell (PEPC) is uniquely suited for high-power high-energy fusion lasers.
Sydor Technologies will share how they’re building on this foundation with a focus on commercialization. Backed by a recent U.S. Department of Energy SBIR grant, Sydor is working to secure a scalable supply chain and deliver PEPC solutions that meet the performance and reliability needs of fusion researchers and startups, including future needs for high-repetition rate laser systems. Additionally, Sydor is well suited to supply supporting infrastructure such as Pockels cell drivers through their fast rise high voltage pulse generator offerings.
Attendees will learn:
- The crystal-to-device pipeline: growth, cutting, and integration of large-aperture electro-optic crystals
- The physics and advantages of plasma-electrode switching in fusion-class lasers
- What’s required to scale PEPC technology from current builds to commercial solutions ready for deployment in fusion power systems
Whether you're designing beamlines or planning for the future of clean energy, this session offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of fusion’s most pivotal photonic technologies.
Our Speakers
Dr. Matt Whittaker - Crystal Growth and Inertial Confinement Fusion Manager, G&H (LinkedIn)
Dr. Matthew Whittaker brings over two decades of experience in electro-optic crystal development, specializing in large-aperture crystals for high-energy laser systems. Dr. Whittaker earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in 2000 and 2007, respectively. His research career began with studies on rare-earth scintillators at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Prior to joining G&H, he held R&D roles at Sawyer Research and Morgan Electroceramics, focusing on lithium tantalate and relaxor ferroelectrics.
At G&H, Dr. Whittaker leads the research and production of materials critical to Pockels Cells and other laser-based technologies, including KDP, KD*P, LiNbO₃, TeO₂, BBO, CdS, and CdSe. In this session, he will review the 50-year evolution of KDP and KD*P crystal growth for large-aperture optical switching and frequency conversion, providing insights into current capabilities and future directions.
Alenna Streeter - Pulsed Power Solutions Scientist, Sydor Technologies (LinkedIn)
As a Solutions Scientist at Sydor Technologies, Alenna Streeter focuses on integrating advanced pulsed power and electro-optics, including Plasma-Electrode Pockels Cells (PEPCs), within an expansive set of experimental programs and laser systems. Alenna earned her B.A. in Physics from the State University of New York at Geneseo in 2020 and later obtained her M.S. in Condensed Matter Physics from Boston College in 2023. Her master's research focused on synthesizing and characterizing magnetically frustrated insulators, utilizing techniques such as X-ray and neutron scattering at various national labs.
In her role at Sydor, Alenna collaborates with customers and partners to translate complex photonic and electronic technologies into scalable solutions for high-performance environments, including fusion research. She serves as the technical lead for Sydor’s ongoing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant project aimed at commercializing PEPC technology for high-power laser systems. In this session, she will review the working principles of plasma-electrodes for large aperture Pockels cells with a focus on the important applications they enable, as well as how Sydor Technologies is poised to support the emerging fusion market.