This photo shows the type of cryogenic target that was used to reach the burning plasma state achieved for the first time in a laboratory experiment in November 2020 and February 2021 at NIF, the world’s most energetic laser. The photo appeared in a Jan. 27, 2022, Nature cover story detailing that inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research. In ICF experiments, NIF’s 192 lasers focus on a tiny fuel capsule suspended inside a cylindrical x-ray oven called a hohlraum (left, in the circle). The dimpled surface scatters stray light to prevent damage to the laser. The target is connected to a cryogenic cooler (far right), and the wires connect to the heaters and sensors that are needed to control the shape of the fuel layer. Credit: Jason Laurea