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How LLNL launched ‘The Age of Ignition’ at NIF

How did LLNL make history at the National Ignition Facility by achieving fusion ignition on Dec. 5, 2022?
Our special expanded report, The Age of Ignition, explains how this was accomplished, how it helps strengthen national security, and what it means for science and energy.

Three LLNL Scientists Honored with Presidential Early-Career Award

Feb. 24, 2025- 
Design physicist Kelli Humbird, who has been recognized for her innovative application of machine learning in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) physics, was one of three distinguished LLNL researchers honored with a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) award.

Showing How Plasma Electrons Can Enhance Fusion Reaction Rates

Feb. 24, 2025- 
A NIF Discovery Science campaign is hoping to demonstrate that free electrons in a plasma can help positively charged atomic nuclei “tunnel” through the electrostatic barrier that keeps them apart and fuse.

Ensuring Material Survivability

Feb. 24, 2025- 
NIF's increasing shot yields—including the achievement of fusion ignition—enable materials and components to be tested for nuclear survivability at hotter and more intense conditions.

Big Ideas Lab Podcast Takes on NIF Sustainment

Feb. 13, 2025- 
LLNL is home to NIF, the only lab on earth where fusion ignition has been achieved and repeated. The latest episode of the Big Ideas podcast tackles the work necessary to keep such a facility running. Listen on Apple or Spotify.

Spotlighting a Legend of Laser Safety

Jan. 21, 2025- 
When Jamie King first began working as a radiation safety technician, laser safety had yet to truly emerge as a specialized field. King saw opportunities for his efforts to make a noticeable difference in the field.

From Ignition in the Laboratory to Fusion Energy

Jan. 15, 2025- 
LLNL physicist Dan Casey outlined the challenges involved in moving from the achievement of fusion ignition at LLNL’s National Ignition Facility to practical inertial fusion energy at a recent Kavli Frontiers of Science symposium in Kyoto, Japan.

LLNL Creates World’s Brightest X-Ray Source with NIF and Novel Metal Foams

Jan. 15, 2025- 
By combining NIF's laser and ultra-light metal foams, LLNL researchers have produced the brightest x-ray source to date — about twice as bright as previous solid metal versions. The team's work was recently published in Physical Review E.

NIF&PS Intern Brings New Perspectives to NIF

Jan. 15, 2025- 
Marie Durivaux was a unique choice for an internship to develop additional tools and further analyze laser beam quality at NIF.