Getting to Know NIF

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, through all that we’ve learned, has the responsibility to inform people in the community about what we do, what can be done, and why it’s important and exciting.

And for students, this exposure can allow them to envision opportunities that they maybe never knew existed.”

—Kathleen Schaffers, chemist and NIF Expanding Your Horizons lead

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

A wide spectrum of education and outreach programs—many staffed
by dedicated volunteers—aim to enrich the lives of community members, inspire and motivate students, and inform those looking for deeper knowledge of the universe.

And sometimes when the stars align, a girl or boy participating in one of
these programs discovers
a path leading to a position working at NIF.

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.

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Take a Tour of NIF

During a NIF tour, Dave Mathison briefs high-school students from Chartwell School in Seaside, California.

More than 100,000 people have visited the world’s largest laser system in more than 8,800 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.

WHO’S VISITED NIF?

DOWNLOAD THE NIF VISITOR’S BROCHURE PDF

TOUR INFORMATION, DIRECTIONS

NIF’s Laser Roadshow

NIF engineer Henry Hui demonstrates how laser light can travel through a bending stream of water by using a “Laser Light Fountain.”

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.

NIF LASER ROADSHOW

Expanding Your Horizons

(From left) NIF staff members Raluca Negres, Robin Miles, Kathleen Schaffers, Kendra Ruiz, and Louisa Pickworth.

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 Books

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