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G&H and Sydor Webinar Details and Speakers with logos and date and time details of webinar©️ G&H and Sydor Technologies

From Lab to Grid: Advancing Pockels Cell Technology for Scalable Fusion Energy

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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.

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G&H growing electro-optical crystals - A collection of polished electro-optical crystal boules arranged on a dark surface. The transparent, cylindrical crystals have glossy finishes and unique internal reflections, indicating high purity and precision for use in advanced optical or photonic applications.©️ G&H Growth of Electro-optical Crystals

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.

G&H pockels cells, A close-up image of a person wearing white gloves assembling or inspecting an optical component, likely a lens or crystal, with a yellow-tinted surface. The component is being placed into a white cylindrical holder. In the background, several other optical parts, including circular mounts and a precision measuring instrument, are visible on a workbench, indicating a high-precision optical or photonics assembly environment.©️ G&H pockels cells

Key highlights from this webinar:

  • 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.

G&H Pockels Cells for Lasers and Electro-Optic Modulation