April 13, 2017
Strong Funding for NIF Urged
Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) last week led 25 other Members of Congress in urging strong funding for the National Ignition Facility, which conducts groundbreaking fusion research that could bring about a new energy future while helping America maintain its national security. (The Independent)
April 12, 2017
World’s biggest laser is in California
The world’s largest laser is currently being used in Livermore at the National Ignition Facility and it can reach temperatures six times hotter than the sun. (video) (ABC10.com)
April 10, 2017
Next-generation laser optics for NIF tolerate more power
A new anti-reflective coating and a novel chemical process for laser optics developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers represents an important breakthrough in its effort to boost the energy of NIF’s 192 giant lasers, and cut the cost of repairing or replacing damaged optics vital to its operation. (Laser Focus World)
April 7, 2017
Experimental innovation at NIF allows new look at plutonium behavior at extreme conditions
Plutonium diffraction experiments at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) are enabling researchers, for the first time, to test theoretical models about how plutonium behaves at high-pressure conditions. (NNSA News)
April 6, 2017
Reduction in Optics Damage Promises NIF Performance Boost
Dramatic improvements in the ability to keep ultra-intense laser light from damaging essential optical components of the National Ignition Facility opens the door to running the giant laser system at higher energies and with improved economy. (The Independent)
April 2017
The Long Road to Ignition
The “break-even” point of inertial confinement fusion remains elusive, but slow and steady progress may yet win the race. (Physics World)
March 6, 2017
Can lasers make controlled nuclear fusion happen?
Scientists have been containing hydrogen plasmas at sun-like temperatures at the US Department of Energy’s National Ignition Facility and the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor effort in France and in large facilities. (Futurity)
February 14, 2017
Fusion power: safe, green and coming soon
New projects around the world are bringing us ever closer to the dream of achieving commercially viable fusion power. (The Manufacturer)
February 8, 2017
LLNL HAPLS petawatt laser reaches highest average power; ready for delivery to ELI Beamlines
The High-Repetition-Rate Advanced Petawatt Laser System (HAPLS), being developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, recently completed a significant milestone: demonstration of continuous operation of an all diode-pumped, high-energy femtosecond petawatt laser system. (Laser Focus World)
February 3, 2017
Livermore meets key milestone for delivery of world’s highest average power petawatt laser system
The High-Repetition-Rate Advanced Petawatt Laser System (HAPLS), being developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, recently completed a significant milestone: demonstration of continuous operation of an all diode-pumped, high-energy femtosecond petawatt laser system. (eli beamlines)
February 2, 2017
Livermore’s Advanced Laser System Reaches Major Milestone
The record-breaking system will aid a variety of scientific research. (Signal)
February 2017
High-energy-density science blooms at NIF
The weapons facility is exploring phenomena found in brown dwarfs, the cores of “super Earths,” new phases of carbon, and other extreme environments. (Physics Today))
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Operated by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, for the
Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
