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Four LLE members receive awards for fusion development research

Researchers used the Omega Laser Facility at the Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics to make highly detailed measurements of laser-heated plasmas. (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)

The non-profit organization presented awards to several members of the Rochester鈥檚 at the FPA鈥檚 38th annual meeting in December.

Robert L. McCrory, recently retired director of the LLE and University Professor, was awarded the Distinguished Career Award, presented to an individual who has made distinguished, life-long career contributions to fusion development. McCrory was director of the LLE from 1983 until his retirement in October. Under his leadership, the LLE became one of the leading research institutions in exploring inertial fusion and high-energy-density physics, and the Omega laser facility became one of the premier high-power laser user facilities in the world.

Robert McCrory.
Robert McCrory.
Craig Sangster.
Craig Sangster.
Valeri Goncharov.
Adam Sefkow.
Adam Sefkow.


In addition to McCrory鈥檚 award, the FPA presented awards to the following LLE members:

  • , director of the LLE’s Theory Division, and , director of the LLE’s Experimental Division, both received Leadership Awards, presented to individuals who have shown outstanding leadership qualities in accelerating the development of fusion. The award recognizes Goncharov鈥檚 and Sangster鈥檚 direction in improving implosion performance by increasing an understanding of physics and improving diagnostics, modeling and simulation on the OMEGA system.
  • Adam Sefkow, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and physics and senior scientist, received an Excellence in Fusion Engineering Award, given in memory of MIT professor David J. Rose, and presented to individuals in the early part of their careers who have shown 鈥渂oth technical accomplishment and potential for becoming an exceptionally influential leader in the fusion field.鈥 The award recognizes Sefkow鈥檚 scientific contributions on a range of topics, including magneto-inertial fusion, short-pulse and long-pulse laser-plasma interaction physics, and intense charged-particle beam transport.

Fusion Power Associates helps students, media, and the public learn more about fusion development and other applications of plasma science and fusion research. FPA annually presents awards to individuals in recognition of their leadership, distinguished careers, and excellence in fusion engineering.