NIF and Photon Science
Smashing Gold, Platinum with Finesse
Shockless compression experiments at NIF and Sandia’s Z machine have established new pressure scales to measure the compression of gold and platinum when squeezed to 1 terapascal with extremely high precision.
The quest for fusion energy and an innovative technique to protect NIF’s optical components from laser damage inspired a new high-speed 3D manufacturing technology.
LLNL and Sandia National Laboratories are continuing their long-standing collaboration on diagnostic advancements for the nation’s premier high energy density research facilities.
When NIF’s Campaign Management Tool (CMT) was retired, it culminated a seven-year effort to replace the complex and cumbersome original experiment setup tool.
A laser-plasma system can be tuned to produce large and measurable changes in the group velocity of light, a technique that could further NIF’s quest for fusion ignition.
LLNL scientists now have experimental evidence supporting predictions that helium rain is possible under conditions inside planets such as Jupiter and Saturn.
