NIF is a highlight of LLNL’s biannual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Day at the Lab, a daylong interactive event focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for students from local communities. These students are getting a closeup view of NIF targets from Becky Butlin (left) and Lila Ahrendes. LEARN MORE
NIF partners with many other LLNL outreach and education programs. These programs are also looking for participants and volunteers. Join in and help spread the word about science and technology. SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Visit the LLNL Discovery Center
The quickest way to get a basic understanding of NIF is to step inside the room-sized Target Chamber replica inside LLNL’s Discovery Center (left), usually one of the first stops for students on science field trips to the Laboratory (right). The Discovery Center also offers demonstrations and hands-on activities that connect to the science of NIF.
Take a Tour of NIF
More than 91,600 people have visited the world’s largest laser system in more than 8,000 separate tours. The visitors have ranged from school children to military generals and admirals, members of Congress, presidential Cabinet members, CEOs, movie stars and entertainers, news reporters and photographers, and even a princess.
DOWNLOAD THE NIF VISITOR'S BROCHURE PDF
NIF’s Laser Roadshow
The Laser Roadshow features a handful of demonstrations created by NIF to educate and delight young people, educators, and the public. The roadshow has traveled across the country to schools, museums, science fairs, and conferences.
Expanding Your Horizons
Every year, dozens of NIF staff members share their passion for science and technology at the Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) conference for middle-school girls. They devote their time to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers.
TRI-VALLEY EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS
SAN JOAQUIN EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS
NIF’s Comic Book
From scientific journal covers to science outreach and education, graphic art plays a vital role in communicating complex concepts and ideas. These NIF comic books help students—young and old—connect to the wonders of NIF.
DOWNLOAD THE NIF LASERS COMIC BOOK PDF
DOWNLOAD THE NIF IGNITION COMIC BOOK PDF
NIF and Pop Culture
General audiences have also gotten to know NIF over the years through newspaper and magazine stories, TV shows, movies, and books. The New York Times, the Washington Post, Newsweek, CBS Sunday Morning, NOVA, Jeopardy, Stephen Colbert’s late-night TV show, and “Star Trek Into Darkness.”
NIF Captures the Popular Imagination
More About NIF
The Science of NIF
Explore Fusion, Ignition, Making a Star, Discovery Science, Energy for the Future, Photon Science, and Advanced Laser Systems
Student Internships
Our student scholars contribute to research on lasers, optics, plasma physics, material science, software, and more.
