News
300kV Bushing!
Sep 3, 2024
Avalanche Energy’s high-voltage team has reached a major milestone, achieving a stable 300kV using the second-generation compact high-vacuum bushing, now featuring a fully shielded structure and a detachable interconnect system. Even more impressively, the system maintained near-zero dark current throughout testing. This advancement marks a significant step forward in the team's pursuit of reliable, high-voltage operation in compact fusion systems. The achievement could not have been made possible without the collaborative effort of a talented group of engineers and scientists.
Data-Driven Field Emission Model
Nov 1, 2024
We have developed a data-driven model for field emission current from broad-area electrodes that combines experimental data, electrostatic simulations, and surface microscopy. This novel model achieves over 98% prediction accuracy using ensemble learning models, outperforming the traditional curve-fitting methods based on Fowler-Nordheim theory. The paper published in Results in Physics is available to public.
Flowchart illustrating the feature extraction and machine learning model training process for field emission.
UPEC 2024
Sep 3, 2024
I had the pleasure of attending the 59th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC 2024) in beautiful Cardiff, a city filled with warm and welcoming people. It was joyful to see so many young professionals striving to make an impact in high-voltage technology and power system studies. The event was graciously hosted by Professor Manu Haddad, whose efforts made the experience even more enriching. If you're interested in getting involved with DEIS activities, feel free to reach out!
Visiting Prof. Latham
Sep 2, 2024
On a trip to the UK, I seized the opportunity to visit Latham’s house, The Grainhouse, in rural Worcestershire to continue the discussions we had over video calls and emails—this time in person. Rod and his wife, Jean, graciously opened their home for an in-depth conversation. My six-hour visit turned out to be not just a technical discussion but a journey through the life of a man whose experiences have profoundly shaped his scientific perspective. A brief summary of our discussions will be published in IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine soon.
Meeting with Dr. Dawkins
Oct 4, 2024
I had the pleasure of attending the talk of Dr. Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist, in Portland during The Final Bow – His Last Tour on the Road and meeting him afterward. I first came to know his work through the BBC documentary Sex, Death, and the Meaning of Life, and later through books like The Blind Watchmaker.
While his views have not been entirely free of bias or controversy, he has successfully inspired and stimulated the minds of many with his insights rooted in evolutionary biology—encouraging people to question long-held beliefs and prioritize evidence and facts.
1st Peer-Reviewed Article on the Orbitron
Aug 20, 2024
Our first peer-reviewed paper on the Orbitron is out! This article begins with the principle of operation of the Orbitron and then describes the experimental setup, including the high-voltage components, magnets, vacuum system, and various other subsystems. On the plasma physics side, it covers the diagnostic methods, the co-confinement of electrons and ions, as well as a brief discussion of the simulation results and future work toward achieving high fusion reaction rates.
TOFE 2024
Jul 28, 2024
It was my privilege to participate in my first Technology of Fusion Energy (TOFE) and speak about Avalanche Energy's high-gradient challenges and groundbreaking innovations, like the world's most compact >250kV vacuum feedthrough. The event highlighted the immense challenges in achieving a viable fusion product, far beyond just a short Q_plasma >1.
It stressed that collaboration is essential—like CFS providing superconducting magnets for Realta Fusion's WHAM project. Each company's unique expertise contributes to breakthroughs that benefit and energize the entire fusion community.
Presentation at 2024 MeVArc
Mar 5, 2024
This marked my first participation in the International Workshop on the Mechanisms of Vacuum Arcs (MeVArc), an initiative of CERN, the University of Helsinki, and Sandia National Laboratories. This year's event was hosted by Sandia National Laboratories in Tahoe City, California, USA. I had the pleasure of presenting our recent work on "Emission Characteristics of a Broad-Area Molybdenum Cathode under Inhomogeneous Electric Field." The paper detailing this research will be published in the near future.
Colloquium Presentation at USU
Feb 06, 2024
I recently had the opportunity to present at the Physics Department colloquium at Utah State University, where I highlighted the work of the high voltage team at Avalanche Energy. It was a valuable experience, particularly because I had the chance to meet Professors Farrell Edwards, Boyd Edwards, and JR Dennison.
One of the highlights of my visit was seeing one of the world's smallest tokamaks. I also visited the Material Physics Group lab, led by Professor Dennison, which specializes in simulating various space effects and has contributed to several space missions. This visit provided insightful exposure to the ongoing research in physics.
Dinner at a local restaurant in Logan, UT. From the left: Dr. F. Edwards, Dr. Dennison, me, and Dr. B. Edwards
High Voltage Scientist Position @ AE
Dec 1, 2023
Join our dynamic team for an exciting opportunity to tackle cutting-edge high voltage challenges! We're looking for candidates with a robust background in high-voltage physics fundamentals who are eager to innovate and make a significant impact. If this sounds like you, apply now or send me a direct message for more details. Let's electrify the future together!
IS HIRING
CEIDP 2023
Oct 16, 2023
IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena (CEIDP) this year was special, marking the centennial edition of the conference that began in 1920 in Manhattan, NY. I presented our most recent work from the Avalanche Energy High Voltage group, titled "The Aging Effect of Surface Flashovers on Insulator Surfaces in Vacuum: A Case Study."
As a member of DEIS-Young Professionals, I helped organize the first-ever student award session, multiple featured talks, and interviews with the veterans of the society.
My interview with Professor Reimund Gerhard
Joined the Editorial Board of IEEE TTE
Aug 30, 2023
I am excited to join as an associate editor to the editorial board of IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification (IF=7.0), a leading platform for sharing groundbreaking innovations on the path towards decarbonizing transportation systems. Find out more about the journal's scope and recent publications using the link below.
Dr. Craig Miller's Visit
Aug 23, 2023
I had the distinct honor of hosting Dr. Craig Miller today, a pioneering expert in the field of high-voltage vacuum phenomena, such as surface flashovers and arcs. We are fortunate that he resides in close proximity to the Avalanche Energy office, where we are continually pushing the boundaries of high-voltage vacuum technologies. I am eagerly looking forward to collaborating with him and benefiting from his extensive, five-decade-long experience in this domain.
Talk at 2023 ISDEIV
June 26, 2023
I had the pleasure of presenting our most recent paper at the 2023 IEEE International Symposium on Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum (ISDEIV) in Okinawa, Japan. The paper, which will be published soon, delves into our findings on the chemical impact of DC conditioning on the cathode surface in a high vacuum environment.
Podcast with Jason Cavness
May 27, 2023
I was a guest on The Jason Cavness Experience and we talked about high-voltage engineering and how it has regained its momentum after a period of stagnation. We also talked about fusion energy, my path to the United States, and many more.
Presentations at 2023 ICOPS
May 23, 2023
Our papers at the 50th IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS) were presented by our CEO, Robin Langtry. The papers will be published and shared soon!
Avalanche Energy Breakthrough!
Apr 25, 2023
Avalanche Energy has successfully closed a $40 million funding round (Series A) and achieved a record-breaking level of 200 kV for a fusion reactor.
Special Issue Kicked Off!
Apr 24, 2023
As the guest editor of the special issue of "Recent Advances in Electrical System Discharges" in the Machines journal, I am happy to invite experts in this field to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in electrical system discharges. If you have any exciting research or ideas to share, I invite you to submit your papers for consideration. Learn more in the link below and let me know if you have any questions!
Talk in Las Vegas!
Apr 21, 2023
I was invited to talk at the IEEE Las Vegas Tech Conference and Expo. During my session, I discussed how modern high voltage engineering is supporting Avalanche Energy in their pursuit of a cutting-edge line of colliding beam fusion power packs.
2023 IEEE CEIDP
Oct 30, 2022
I was privileged to share our recent high voltage innovation at Avalanche Energy. I presented our design of the 300kV vacuum bushing in the 2022 IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectrics Phenomena (CEIDP) held in Denver, CO, USA.
IEEE DEIS-YP Reboot
Sep 19, 2023
After a hiatus of few years, the IEEE Dielectric and Electrical Insulation Society Young Professionals (DEIS-YP) is back and I am happy to serve as the U.S. and Canada representative. If you want learn and engage in our activities, please follow us on LinkedIn!
New Article Published
Jan 31, 2022
Our recent study titled "Separation and Classification of Corona Discharges Under Low Pressures Based on Deep Learning Method" is now published in IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation!
PhD Defense
Jan 20, 2022
A journey has come to an end! I am thrilled to announce that I have successfully defended my Ph.D. dissertation at Virginia Tech titled "Partial Discharges: Experimental Investigation, Model Development, and Data Analytics". I hope to continue learning and contributing to the advancement of human society, ensuring a bright future for our next generations.
Joined Avalanche Energy!
Jan 3, 2022
I am beyond excited to join Avalanche Energy. Collaborating on the development of a micro fusion reactor, called the Orbitron, as a peaceful, unlimited energy source, driven by cutting-edge high voltage technology, is truly the opportunity of a lifetime.
