MuFusE DAC Pushes Muon-Catalyzed Fusion Targets to Record Pressures with Tritium-Safe Design
The MuFusE team has engineered a large-volume diamond anvil cell (DAC) specifically optimized for muon-catalyzed fusion (μCF) research, achieving static deuterium-tritium (d-t) target conditions that significantly surpass prior benchmarks. The apparatus reaches 933 MPa and 400 K with a 19.2 mm³ sample volume at liquid density — enabling high-precision fusion rate measurements in a muon beam environment. Key engineering innovations include cryogenic loading, all-metal sealing, flexible bellows, remote pneumatic actuation, and secondary containment to safely handle a 25 Ci tritium inventory. In-situ laser spectroscopy through a clear optical path provides real-time monitoring of sample pressure and composition.