New Geometry for a Neutron Source Platform for NIF

Scientists have demonstrated an inverted-corona platform, a new geometry for a neutron-source platform that adds another tool to NIF’s growing list of capabilities.

NIF Engineer Discovers Life’s Lessons on the Road Less Traveled

When NIF&PS structural engineer Brian Berman recovered from an injury and illness that sidelined him for two years, he was determined to take the road less traveled—literally.

Robust New Debris Shields Will Boost NIF’s Shot Rate

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

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

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

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

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

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...