Xcimer Accelerates Growth with Key Hire and Formation of Science and Technology Advisory Board
Xcimer Energy Inc., a Denver-based inertial fusion company, is making significant strides in its mission to develop commercially viable fusion energy. The company recently announced two major milestones: the appointment of Dr. Silvia De Dea as Head of Materials and Process Engineering and the formation of a 10-person Science and Technology Advisory Board. These developments underscore Xcimer’s commitment to advancing its groundbreaking approach to fusion energy while addressing the technical challenges inherent in this transformative field.
A Pioneer Joins the Team: Dr. Silvia De Dea
Dr. Silvia De Dea brings decades of expertise in scaling complex hardware systems to Xcimer, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s materials and process engineering strategy. Her career includes instrumental work at Cymer/ASML, one of the world’s most influential semiconductor companies. At Cymer/ASML, De Dea helped develop Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems—arguably the most intricate machines ever built by humans. These systems are now critical for manufacturing cutting-edge microchips that power advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things.
De Dea’s contributions extend beyond EUV lithography. She has authored numerous publications and holds several patents across diverse fields such as analytical instrumentation, advanced materials R&D, liquid metals, hydrogen etching, mass spectrometry, fluid dynamics, optics, coatings, and supercritical fluids. Her leadership also includes directing program management at Singular Genomics, where she spearheaded the launch of a novel Next Generation Sequencing machine.
“I believe humanity cannot continue to improve its quality of life without a robust, zero-emission energy source—and Xcimer’s approach represents the best path forward for fusion energy on the grid,” said De Dea. “Joining Xcimer is both the greatest challenge and honor of my career so far. I’m excited to accelerate the roadmap to commercial viability.”
De Dea holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from UC San Diego, where she developed innovative analytical instrumentation to solve fundamental challenges in mass spectrometry high-pressure sources. She earned her BS and MS in industrial chemistry from the University of Bologna, Italy, in 2001. Additionally, she serves on the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering MAE Industry Advisory Board, further solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in technology and innovation.
Science and Technology Advisory Board: Guiding Xcimer’s Future
In tandem with De Dea’s hiring, Xcimer has established a Science and Technology Advisory Board comprising 10 experts with deep domain knowledge in fusion, engineering, pulsed power, laser physics, nuclear technologies, and related disciplines. This board will provide critical feedback and recommendations to ensure Xcimer’s technical progress aligns with its ambitious goals for deploying inertial fusion power plants.
The advisory board is chaired by Mike Campbell, former Associate Director for Lasers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and a key originator of the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Campbell currently serves as Director of the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics. His extensive experience in high-energy lasers and fusion research makes him an ideal leader for the board.
“Fusion is hard, and serious fusion companies should seek out rigorous criticism,” said Conner Galloway, CEO and Chief Science Officer of Xcimer. “We’ve assembled a team of recognized experts who bring both optimism and skepticism, ensuring we receive balanced and constructive input. Their feedback will be invaluable as we validate new technologies, scale our operations, and move closer to commercial deployment.”
Campbell echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s an exciting time for the fusion industry as startups reveal their roadmaps to commercialization. Xcimer stands out for its scientifically compelling approach, building on decades of foundational work by government and academic institutions. As Chairman of the Science and Technology Advisory Board, I look forward to collaborating with Xcimer’s leadership to ensure the company remains positioned for success.”
Xcimer’s Roadmap to Fusion Energy
Xcimer’s innovative approach combines novel laser technology with proven scientific principles to achieve cost-effective and scalable fusion energy. The company is currently focused on completing its prototype laser system, named Phoenix, by 2026. Once operational, Phoenix will serve as a stepping stone toward Vulcan, Xcimer’s next-generation facility designed to house the highest-energy laser in the world dedicated to fusion and high-energy density physics research.
A significant milestone was recently achieved with the completion of Phoenix’s Long Pulse Kinetics platform—an electron-beam pumped excimer laser created to validate Xcimer’s modeling and design capabilities. This achievement highlights the company’s steady progress toward its ultimate goal: generating electrical power through fusion.
Why Fusion Matters
Fusion energy has long been hailed as the holy grail of clean energy due to its potential to provide abundant, carbon-free electricity with minimal environmental impact. However, achieving practical fusion energy requires overcoming immense technical and engineering challenges. Xcimer’s strategy focuses not only on advancing core fusion science but also on optimizing adjacent markets for its proprietary technologies. By leveraging insights from the advisory board and the expertise of leaders like Dr. De Dea, Xcimer aims to mitigate risks and accelerate its timeline for commercial deployment.
A Commitment to Scientific Integrity
From its inception, Xcimer has prioritized scientific rigor and transparency. The addition of Dr. De Dea and the establishment of the Science and Technology Advisory Board reflect the company’s dedication to fostering collaboration between internal teams and external experts. As Xcimer continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fusion energy, these initiatives will play a crucial role in ensuring the company remains at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry.
With a clear vision, top-tier talent, and a robust support network, Xcimer is poised to make meaningful contributions to the global effort to harness fusion energy—a breakthrough that could revolutionize how we power the world.
About Xcimer Energy Inc.
Xcimer is an inertial fusion company combining novel laser technology with proven science to achieve commercial deployment of fusion energy. Its approach to inertial fusion holds the best prospect for long-term economic viability. Founded in 2022 and based in Denver, Colorado, Xcimer is backed by the world’s leading climate tech investors and has been selected for funding by the U.S. Department of Energy. Its mission is to develop a source of unlimited, clean, safe and reliable energy to power the future.
