ATLAS
CSU Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science facility
ATLAS provides the expertise, infrastructure, and collaborative environment that enable organizations to advance high-energy science and engineering with confidence.
ATLAS bridges academic science and commercial innovation by providing a platform for advanced materials research, diagnostics, and extreme-environment testing. It is a versatile high-power laser facility designed for partners that need controlled, high-energy conditions to explore new concepts and validate cutting-edge technologies. Companies rely on ATLAS to accelerate work in aerospace, defense, photonics, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and emerging energy systems.
Fusion remains a central focus at ATLAS. Our high-energy laser capabilities support the development of sustainable and scalable laser-driven fusion technologies. Colorado’s growing innovation ecosystem strengthens this work and positions ATLAS as a leading hub for frontier energy and high-field experimentation.
Colorado State University offers a rare combination of deep technical expertise and world-class research facilities that strengthen every project at ATLAS. CSU has led advances in ultrafast laser systems, optical coatings, nanostructures, plasma engineering, and high-energy diagnostics for decades. This foundation allows industry partners to collaborate with teams that understand the science, the engineering, and the practical challenges of operating complex laser environments.
CSU also operates the Powerhouse Energy Campus and a broad portfolio of grid-connected and applied energy research programs. These resources help companies explore new technologies with a level of technical support and insight that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Our location in Fort Collins provides a scenic setting with easy access to major research centers and industry hubs across the western United States. Together, the strength of CSU’s people, facilities, and ecosystem creates an environment where partners can move faster, test more effectively, and innovate with confidence.
Advancing laser-driven fusion technologies through high-power testing, plasma generation, and diagnostic development.
Evaluating materials, sensors, and systems under extreme thermal, mechanical, and plasma conditions relevant to modern defense and flight applications.
Supporting precision manufacturing through laser-based material evaluation, advanced radiography, non-destructive testing, and extreme-environment performance studies.
Testing optical coatings, components, and semiconductor materials with controlled fluence, ultrafast pulses, and high-precision diagnostics.
Enabling high-energy density physics, materials science, and fundamental laser-matter interaction studies for academic and research institutions.
This public-private partnership sets the global standard for laser-based fusion research, propelling the development of a safe, clean, and reliable energy source. It is an incredible step forward for Marvel Fusion and a testament to our success and vision.
Working with the world-class team at CSU over the past two years has been invaluably productive. We are immensely grateful for the trust and support of CSU, the State of Colorado, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s ongoing support through the LaserNetUS program.
ATLAS is positioned to dramatically expand the existing educational system to broaden a pipeline of exceptional graduates to meet the rapidly growing workforce demand. With facilities such as the Powerhouse Energy Campus, ATLAS and the new Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building, we are preparing students to be technology leaders at the fusion of computer science, machine learning, and engineering.
Josh Peterson, Vice President of Advanced Laser Services, CSU STRATA
970-491-2933