In a groundbreaking technological development, German industrial giant TRUMPF, in collaboration with several research institutions and industry partners, has unveiled the world’s first laser-driven neutron source for industrial applications. The project, spearheaded by Focused Energy, represents a significant leap in non-destructive testing technology, enabling inspections of thick materials such as steel and concrete walls—previously unachievable with conventional methods.
The innovative technology, known as Laser-Driven Radiation Sources (LDRS), offers a compact and cost-effective alternative to traditional particle accelerators. The LDRS process can provide "X-ray vision" into highly dense and complex materials, such as those found in bridges, shipping containers, and nuclear waste containers, without the need for massive accelerator infrastructure.
The project, titled PLANET (Pilot Applications of a Neutron Source Enabled by TRUMPF), has garnered a €20 million investment from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research. It brings together leading institutions like the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Photonis Germany, and TU Darmstadt. Industrial premises for the pilot facility have been secured at the former nuclear power plant in Biblis, thanks to a partnership with energy company RWE.
Central to the breakthrough is a high-powered laser developed by TRUMPF, Fraunhofer ILT, and Focused Energy. The laser fires at a rate of up to 100 times per second, accelerating particles over mere millimeters—a feat that traditionally required hundreds of meters in conventional accelerators. These particles are then directed at a converter to generate neutrons through particle reactions.
Dr. Marco Schäfer, CEO of Focused Energy, stated, "This technology will revolutionize the way we inspect and assess large-scale components. For the first time, we can achieve high-resolution imaging in a compact form factor, which opens up new possibilities in industries such as energy, defense, and infrastructure."
In the PLANET project, various sub-projects focus on different components of the technology. While TRUMPF and its partners handle the laser’s development, HZDR focuses on generating stable particle beams. Photonis Germany is developing a large-area, highly sensitive detector to capture neutron and X-ray radiation, translating it into detailed images for analysis.
The first pilot facility, being constructed at RWE's site in Biblis, will serve as a research hub and testing ground for the new technology, which aims to revolutionize the non-destructive examination of nuclear waste containers. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate that the LDRS process can offer precise, non-invasive inspection of tightly sealed containers, a necessity in nuclear waste management and other critical industries.
With its compact, laser-driven approach, the technology promises not only greater practicality but also enhanced precision and safety for industrial applications across the globe.
