Record-Breaking Plasma Pressures Achieved with FuZE-3

Using its newest Fusion Z-pinch Experiment (FuZE-3), Zap Energy has generated plasmas with electron pressures reaching 830 MPa—equivalent to 1.6 GPa total pressure when including ions. These pressures rival those found deep within Earth’s crust, marking the highest pressures ever measured in a sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch and representing a major step toward achieving scientific energy gain (Q > 1).

Figure 1. FuZE-3 Achieves Gigapascal Plasma Pressures.

FuZE-3 is the company’s first device to incorporate a third electrode, enabling independent control over plasma acceleration and compression. Early experimental results were presented at the APS Division of Plasma Physics meeting in Long Beach, California.

“It’s great to see FuZE-3 perform exceptionally well so early in its operation,” said Colin Adams, Head of Experimental Physics. Figure 1 shows FuZE-3 Achieves Gigapascal Plasma Pressures.

Why Pressure Matters for Fusion

Fusion requires extremely hot, dense plasma, and pressure—driven by temperature and density—is a key factor because higher pressures enable more fusion reactions [1]. Zap’s sheared-flow Z pinch method is designed to balance strong compression with sustained plasma confinement.

The record 830 MPa measurement was maintained for about one microsecond and verified using optical Thomson scattering, the gold-standard diagnostic technique. Recent repeatable shot sequences demonstrated electron densities of 3–5×10²⁴ m⁻³ and temperatures above 1 keV (21 million °F).

“Achieving these pressures in a compact, rapidly iterative system is a major accomplishment,” said Ben Levitt, Vice President of R&D.

Engineering Advances in FuZE-3

FuZE-3 introduces three electrodes and two capacitor banks, allowing researchers to separate acceleration from compression—providing greater control than previous two-electrode systems.

Although Zap’s plasma compression occurs over microseconds rather than the nanoseconds seen in laser-driven inertial fusion, carefully tuned stabilizing flow is critical for the company’s magnetic confinement approach.

Looking Ahead

FuZE-3 is generating large volumes of reproducible high-quality shots as experiments continue. Zap expects to publish full results soon and is preparing to deploy another next-generation FuZE device this winter.

“We’re just getting started with FuZE-3, and we have significant room to push performance further,” Levitt noted.Meanwhile, development continues toward commercial-scale fusion systems, supported by the Century demonstration platform.

References:

1. https://scitechdaily.com/fuze3-hits-gigapascal-plasma-in-fusion-energy-milestone/

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), Gigapascal Plasma Reached as FuZE3 Marks Major Fusion Milestone, AnaTechMaz, pp.301