Bringing together scientists and engineers actively engaged in research on liquid metal applications for fusion devices: that was the aim of ISLA-9. From 14 to 18 September 2026 the 9th International Symposium on Liquid Metal Applications for Fusion (ISLA-9) took place at DIFFER in Eindhoven.
Liquid metals are promising materials to be used in a fusion reactor. As a self-healing and neutron-resilient material they offer a compelling alternative to solid plasma facing materials. There are several different approaches, ranging from static sponge-like structures to evaporating surfaces and fast flowing walls, and were all discussed.
Flowing lithium waterfall
As well as for use as a fusion wall material, liquid metal blankets and a special session on IFMIF-DONES, were also on the agenda. This latter project uses a flowing lithium waterfall to help generate neutrons in order to test fusion materials. Liquid metal blankets aren’t for keeping the plasma warm, but instead utilize liquid metal-filled structures surrounding the plasma to produce tritium fuel, a key technology in fusion reactors. Research and development about liquid metal applications in the fusion community has therefore grown rapidly over the last few decades.
During the ninth edition of ISLA, recent progress and issues were addressed through around 60 presentations and posters over 4 days. Thomas Morgan, group leader Plasma Material Interactions and organiser of the event:
“This meeting is the most important date in the calendar for liquid metal research in fusion. It was great to see so many colleagues and collaborators and hear about all the new developments and innovations in the field. And it was wonderful, after attending it all around the world, to have the privilege to host it here in Eindhoven.”
Biannually event
The first edition of the conference was held at NIFS, Japan in 2009, and has been held biannually since then. More information can be found on the ISLA-9 webpage.
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