Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory




Designing for Ignition: Precise Changes Yield Historic Results

Part 2: Fusion ignition came from a steady evolution of experimental designs, with continuous improvements in diagnostic, optics, and simulation technology, target quality, and the energy and reliability of NIF’s lasers. Second in a series.





Star Power: The Path to Fusion Ignition

Part 1: After 12 years of sustained effort and hundreds of experiments, NIF achieved ignition. First in a series of articles describing the elements of the breakthrough.

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.

Ignition Hailed as Historic Scientific Feat

NIF’s demonstration of fusion ignition was hailed as a potentially world-changing breakthrough and a key initial step in a decades-long quest for limitless clean energy.

NIF’s Gains Make Internships Coveted

NIF’s recent scientific advances, including the achievement of fusion ignition, have increased interest among aspiring young scientists for the NIF&PS Summer Scholar Program.

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.