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.
Robust New Debris Shields Will Boost NIF’s Shot Rate
July 8, 2021-
Researchers have developed and are now installing high-quality fused silica debris shields to protect NIF's expensive grating debris shields from debris generated by low-cost disposable debris shields. By cutting the rate of optics damage, the new shields are expected to increase NIF’s shot rate and enhance the drive toward fusion ignition.
Scientists Collaborate on Novel Instrument for NIF
June 23, 2021-
LLNL and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory collaborated on an x-ray crystal spectrometer to measure a challenging feature of HED matter produced by NIF experiments.
Smashing Gold, Platinum with Finesse
June 16, 2021-
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.
Research on Materials Under Extreme Conditions
June 16, 2021-
In Physics of Plasmas, LLNL physicist Hye-Sook Park discussed various experimental techniques and key findings of material states under HED conditions.
From NIF to Z: LLNL, Sandia Continue to Collaborate on Diagnostics Projects
June 15, 2021-
LLNL and Sandia National Laboratories are continuing their long-standing collaboration on diagnostic advancements for the nation’s premier high energy density (HED) research facilities.
Materials Scientist Studies the Innards of Exoplanets
June 15, 2021-
In a Q&A with Quanta Magazine, LLNL’s Federica Coppari discusses how she uses the world’s largest and highest-energy laser to recreate the cores of distant worlds. Read more...
Research Achieves Slow and Fast Light in Plasma
June 7, 2021-
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.
How NIF Inspired Groundbreaking 3D Metal-Printing Technology
June 6, 2021-
A seminar at Stanford University, the decades-long quest for fusion energy, and an innovative technique for protecting NIF’s optical components from laser damage were the inspiration for a new high-speed 3D manufacturing technology that’s about to enter the market.
