LLNL Hosts Workshop to Shape the Future of Diode-Pumped Laser Technology

LLNL recently hosted a workshop to assemble the world’s top experts in diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) systems, a key technology for the future of inertial fusion research and energy.

Introducing El Capitan

One of the world’s most powerful and energy-efficient supercomputers helps scientists safeguard the U.S. nuclear stockpile. Read more ...

Ride the Optics Recycle Loop with the Big Ideas Lab Podcast

NIF was designed and built in a way to manage some level of laser damage on the optics nearly every time the laser fires. In this Big Ideas Lab Podcast episode, we take a ride along this Optics Recycle Loop of continuous innovation and ingenuity.

Big Ideas Lab Podcast Takes on NIF Sustainment

LLNL is home to NIF, the only lab on earth where fusion ignition has been achieved and repeated. The latest episode of the Big Ideas podcast tackles the work necessary to keep such a facility running. Listen on Apple or Spotify.

LLNL Researchers Explore Next-Gen 3D Printing to Harness Fusion Energy

Advanced 3D printing offers one potential solution to bridging the science and technology gaps presented in manufacturing inertial confinement fusion targets. 3D-printed targets have been successfully used during two NIF experiments in 2024.

Meet NIF&PS: Mechanical Engineer Eddie Jimenez

For many LLNL employees like Eddie Jimenez, working at the Lab is a dream fulfilled. Jimenez is a senior mechanical engineer in the Engineering directorate, matrixed to NIF&PS.

Circuits of Interest Led Engineering Intern to NIF&PS

An interest in engineering sparked by building circuit boards led Columbia University student Lan Huse to an internship with the NIF&PS Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LASE) team.

Automated Target Measurements Contribute to LLNL's Ignition Success

An advanced technique for characterizing high-quality target capsules for NIF experiments has played an important role in LLNL's recent success in repeatedly achieving fusion ignition.

LLNL Researchers Uncover Key to Resolving ICF Hohlraum Drive Deficit

LLNL researchers made advancements in resolving the long-standing “drive-deficit” problem in indirect-drive ICF experiments. This could pave the way for more accurate predictions and improved performance of fusion experiments at NIF.

When Experiments Go Quiet: Maintaining the National Ignition Facility

When the lasers at NIF stop firing, the facility is anything but quiet. Facility maintenance and refurbishment teams work to keep NIF as finely tuned as a Formula One racecar (story includes a video).

College Students Learn Valuable Lessons Building Robots for NIF

When NIF needed a way to safely patrol a dangerous high-voltage area, a team of University of California, Davis engineering students built SAPPHIRE the robot.

Automated Software Optimized NIF Shot Efficiency, Versatility

For NIF experiments, the goal is not just to measure the interaction between the target and the laser beams. Researchers also need to understand what’s happening to the material in the target and how it changes over time.

Target Fabrication Precision Applied to Machining Operations Move

Machining operations for Target Fabrication were upgraded and consolidated without missing a minute of the continuous work of designing and delivering targets to the world’s largest laser.

Bridging the Idea-to-Industry Gap

A neodymium-doped fiber amplifier that could double the capacity of information-carrying fiber-optic cables is among the many LLNL-developed inventions awarded technology commercialization funding.

LaserNetUS Opening New Frontiers of Laser Science Research

LaserNetUS, a network of 10 ultra-powerful laser facilities including LLNL’s Jupiter Laser Facility, has made great strides toward strengthening the nation’s position in high-intensity lasers and laser-plasma research.

New Laser Testing System Brings NIF Back to the Future

NIF’s recommissioned Precision Diagnostic System has advanced diagnostic tools that help researchers experiment with potential methods to increase laser performance.

New Machine-Learning Tactic Sharpens NIF Shot Predictions

A new machine learning-based approach that combines simulation and experimental data for ICF experiments is more accurate than simulations alone.

Target Fabrication Team Helped Speed NIF’s Rapid Restart

The LLNL Target Fabrication Team’s efforts to quickly resume production of targets was a key to the timely restart of NIF experiments following the 2020 pandemic shutdown.

COVID-19 Protocols Keep NIF on Track

The health and safety protocols that let NIF resume experiments shortly after regional COVID-19 shelter-in-place directives took effect remain in place, helping NIF maintain a regular slate of experiments that are essential to national security.

NIF People Spotlight: Computer Scientist Jarom Nelson

Computer scientist Jarom Nelson has been working on the development and release of Virtual Beamline++ (VBL++). He also has his creative outlets: musical theater and choral singing.