Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory




Ignition Experiment Advances Stockpile Stewardship Mission

Age of Ignition, Part 3: When scientists at LLNL achieved fusion ignition at NIF, the primary mission and driving goal behind the experiment was stockpile stewardship science (For previous stories, see The Age of Ignition).






Star Power: The Path to Fusion Ignition

Age of Ignition, Part 1: After 12 years of sustained effort and hundreds of experiments, NIF achieved ignition.

Precise Changes Yield Historic Results

Age of Ignition, Part 2: Fusion ignition came from a steady evolution of experimental designs, with continuous improvements in diagnostic, optics, simulation technology, target quality, and lasers.

‘BAT Laser’ R&D Delivers Big Results

LLNL’s research and development of the Big Aperture Thulium (BAT) laser has been living up to its name, delivering big results in a small package.

IAEA Webinar Explores Fusion Ignition

ICF Chief Scientist Omar Hurricane described the research leading to NIF’s fusion ignition milestone in an International Atomic Energy Agency webinar.

U.S. Has Opportunity to Lead IFE Research

A newly released report finds the historic fusion ignition achievement gives the U.S. a “unique opportunity” to further lead the pursuit of inertial fusion energy.

Dawn of the ‘Era of Ignition’ Draws Cheers

NIF’s historic Dec. 5 fusion ignition experiment generated awe, pride, and bright optimism about the future among LLNL employees.

NIF Achieves Fusion Ignition

The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration announced the achievement of fusion ignition at NIF on Dec. 5.

Video: The Beamline to Ignition

Follow the journey of NIF’s laser beams as they dramatically increase in energy on their way to the center of the Target Chamber.