United States Brigham Young University
Provo, UT
Program Overview: The Computational X-ray Imaging team in BYU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy applies advanced X-ray imaging techniques to study materials relevant to inertial fusion energy. Students participate in a 10-week summer program that includes experiments at national DOE light sources and data analysis at BYU. Interns also benefit from BYU’s broader Physics & Astronomy REU, which provides a cohort experience with around 20 students.
Mentorship and Team: Two mentors, Dr. Richard Sandberg and Dr. John Ellsworth, lead the program. The team expects to host 5–6 students, with 2–3 funded by IFE-SURE.
Research Focus Areas / Example Projects:
Nanometer-scale 3D X-ray imaging of IFE foams using ptychographic tomography.
Ultrafast X-ray imaging of shock wave interactions in IFE materials.
Additional opportunities in neutron detection, plasma confinement, and fusion-related spectroscopy.
Additional Notes: Funding coordination with collaborators is ongoing and may affect the number of available positions.
Accepting International Students: Yes
Mentorship and Team: Two mentors, Dr. Richard Sandberg and Dr. John Ellsworth, lead the program. The team expects to host 5–6 students, with 2–3 funded by IFE-SURE.
Research Focus Areas / Example Projects:
Nanometer-scale 3D X-ray imaging of IFE foams using ptychographic tomography.
Ultrafast X-ray imaging of shock wave interactions in IFE materials.
Additional opportunities in neutron detection, plasma confinement, and fusion-related spectroscopy.
Additional Notes: Funding coordination with collaborators is ongoing and may affect the number of available positions.
Accepting International Students: Yes
