Hi! My name is Alessandro, I come from the University of Bologna, in Italy, where I studied
Nuclear Physics. From September 2024 to March 2025 I decided to carry out my Master
Thesis project at Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Garching, Munich. It
was such a beautiful experience! I was dreaming of working in Fusion for many years, so
I decided to contact IPP, after attending the annual summer school they host, and they
found a topic for my Master Thesis. My task was related to bolometry: a diagnostic system
used in tokamaks and stellarators to measure the electromagnetic power radiated by plasmas. 
In particular, I had to implement and test a new electronic data acquisition system for
bolometers, developed at IPP. Even though I’ve studied Physics, I’ve always been passionate
about electronics and Nuclear Fusion. Combining them both was the best opportunity I’ve
ever had in my life. During this project I could perform many hands-on activities, both in
the laboratory and during the latest ASDEX Upgrade experimental campaign, started in
October 2024. Every single day was a lot of fun, trying to solve so many problems nobody
knew the answer to. One of the most difficult tasks was understanding what the designers
meant in the electronics’ manuals and how to use it to do Physics. In the end, despite all
the challenges and difficulties, I managed to implement the new bolometer electronic system,
which is now in operation at ASDEX Upgrade and will be of relevance for the development
of the bolometers for ITER. 

Carrying out this project was the biggest satisfaction of my entire life. Knowing that what I
did will be useful for others and for the development of Fusion makes me profoundly happy
and eager of continuing to work in this beautiful field. 

My stay in Garching exceeded every expectation I could have, not only at the academic level.
The atmosphere at IPP is just beautiful: I have never had so many friends in my life, each
of them with their own stories, suggestions and always ready to help. The bonds I could
develop through this experience made it even more valuable and unforgettable.
A huge thanks to Fusenet for funding this internship and for promoting the developement
of a widespread community of fusion researchers. 

No matter how hard it is, we will bring nuclear fusion to humanity