About AFI
As specialists in nuclear measurement for fusion applications, we bridge the gap between reactor development and precise performance measurement, allowing fusion companies to focus on what they do best while we handle the critical measurements that validate their progress.
Our Story
American Fusion Instruments (AFI) was born from expertise in academia meeting real-world needs in the fusion industry. While presenting advanced neutron detection research at scientific conferences, our founders were repeatedly approached by fusion companies seeking specialized measurement expertise. We recognized a critical gap in the market: while many fusion startups excel at engineering reactors, they often lack the specialized diagnostic capabilities needed to accurately measure and validate their progress.
This realization led to the founding of AFI, where we’ve made it our mission to provide the fusion community with the measurement solutions they need to quantify performance and accelerate development.
Our Approach
Scientific Excellence
We uphold the highest standards of scientific rigor and technical accuracy
Innovation-Driven
We continuously advance nuclear diagnostic technology to solve complex fusion measurement challenges
Client Partnership
We treat your goals as our own, forming deep collaborative relationships
Responsive Expertise
We provide specialized knowledge rapidly and adapt solutions to your unique requirements
Integrity in Data
We maintain complete transparency in our methodologies, recognizing that accurate data is fundamental to advancing fusion energy
The AFI Way
When you work with AFI, you can expect a collaborative partnership built on scientific excellence.
Initial Consultation
We begin by understanding your diagnostic goals and reactor specifics
Feasibility Study
We identify optimal diagnostic techniques for your needs
Conceptual Design
We develop tailored design concepts for your review
Design Refinement
We mature designs based on your feedback
Software Development
We create analysis tools to ensure immediate usability
Implementation Support
We assist with procurement specifications and installation
Ongoing Partnership
We ensure your diagnostic systems continue to deliver robust results
The Team
Shon Mackie
CO-FOUNDER
Shon Mackie is a third-year Physics PhD candidate at MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, focusing on developing neutron diagnostics for SPARC fusion experiments. His thesis work centers on high-resolution neutron spectrometry to study burning plasma kinetic physics. Mit He contributed to MIT’s student-designed “Altator” plasma device, a miniature tokamak created for educational demonstrations. Mit During the COVID-19 pandemic, he took a gap year to canoe the Missouri River and ski the Rockies. Beyond his research, Mackie is passionate about science outreach and field-based physics research, particularly in geophysics. Mit
John Ball
CO-FOUNDER
John Ball is a third-year PhD student in Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, focusing on developing spectrometric neutron detectors for the SPARC neutron camera. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in physics from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2021. Mit At Maryland, he worked on the Centrifugal Mirror Fusion Experiment, developing neutron detectors. Umd Ball has collaborated on MIT’s student-designed “Altator” plasma device and contributes to research on measuring neutron emissivity, ion temperature profiles, and non-thermal spectral features in fusion experiments. MitADS