News

LLNL Researchers Improve Predictive Modeling of Laser Backscatter

LLNL scientists have improved their ability to predict how laser light interferes with fusion experiments at NIF. Their research revealed new details about the origins of scattered laser light that can sap NIF’s laser energy, putting experimental results at risk.

LLNL Researchers Recognized as Senior Members of Optics and Photonics Societies

Four researchers at LLNL's National Ignition Facility have been recognized as senior members of Optica and SPIE.

Lab Scientists and Engineers Win Six R&D 100 Awards

LLNL scientists and engineers have earned six R&D 100 Awards, which recognize the top 100 inventions worldwide. The award-winning technologies address needs in laser optics, additive manufacturing, polymer screening, and gamma-ray detection.

LLNL Research Shows How Fusion Reactions Can Survive Flaws — Up to a Point

LLNL researchers found that IFE implosions can tolerate significant imperfections before performance abruptly declines. Their research, featured on the cover of Physics of Plasmas, could inform the design of future fusion power plant fuel targets.

Big Ideas Lab Takes Measure of NIF Diagnostics

The latest episode of the Big Ideas Lab podcast tells the story of how LLNL scientists and engineers learned to turn events too fast, too hot, and too dense to touch into knowledge.

Melting Diamond Could Unlock Triple Fusion Gain and the Secrets of Ice-Giant Planets

In a study published in Nature Physics, LLNL researchers document how diamond — the hard form of carbon that encases inertial confinement fusion fuel — melts under pressures three times greater than the conditions at the Earth’s core. Read more ...

LLNL Opens New Hands-On Laser Safety Training Facility

A new training facility affords the ability for LLNL laser safety officers to move beyond textbooks to hands-on training.

Meet LLNL Interns: Jennie Ren, NIF&PS Graduate Scholar

Jennie Ren is an incoming Ph.D. student in materials science and engineering at Stanford University and a NIF and Photon Science Graduate Scholar at LLNL. Read more...

Research Sheds New Light on Laser Polarization Effects in NIF Experiments

LLNL researchers found that changing NIF laser polarization could reduce crossed-beam energy transfer and backscatter, potentially improving optic resilience and enabling higher-power operation.

Measuring Iron in Motion at Earth-Core Conditions

Researchers from LLNL and several universities used NIF to enable the first ever simultaneous measurement of iron’s dynamic strength at relevant temperature and pressures. The findings were published in Nature Communications.

LLNL Hosts Laser Safety Officer Workshop

Laser safety officers and health and safety professionals gathered at LLNL for a Department of Energy (DOE) Laser Safety Officer (LSO) Workshop, to exchange insights, strengthen best practices, and discuss their evolving challenges.

LLNL, Las Positas College Offer Laser Optics Workshop

LLNL and Las Positas College are again offering a summer course to help meet a growing demand for laser and optics technicians for NIF and other laser systems.

Meet the Machines That Matter: The Optics Inspector

What can spot a flaw smaller than a speck of dust from eight meters away, works tirelessly in a vacuum, and is essential to national security experiments at NIF? Meet FODI. Meet the Final Optics Damage Inspection system, or FODI.

LLNL Experts Help Advance Inertial Fusion Energy at U.S. IFE Conference

Researchers from LLNL joined their counterparts from national laboratories, universities, industry, and government in a conference to discuss the progress, challenges, and priorities for moving toward an inertial fusion energy future in the U.S.

Igniter Awards Honor NIF&PS Culture Builders

The NIF&PS directorate honored the recipients of the 2025 NIF&PS Igniter Awards: Anne Provost, Arsenia Rendon, John Jett, and Raspberry Simpson for outstanding commitment to building a positive, innovative work culture within NIF&PS.

Target Breakthrough Enabled Fusion Record at NIF

A major innovation in target design, a process known as continuous gradient doping, has contributed to a series of successful fusion ignition experiments at NIF.

LLNL Partners with Inertia to Develop Fusion Energy Technology

Scientists from LLNL are partnering with San Francisco Bay Area startup Inertia Enterprises Inc. to advance fusion laser technology, as well as inertial fusion target manufacturing and designs.

NNSA and LLNL Advance Laser Upgrade for Nuclear Stockpile Mission Ahead of Schedule

The Energy Department and the NNSA have approved a path forward for a project that will increase the laser energy available to NIF at LLNL.

Livermore Institute for Fusion Technology Honored for Innovation

The East Bay Economic Development Alliance honored LLNL with a 2026 East Bay Innovation Award in the Catalyst Category for the Livermore Institute for Fusion Technology (LIFT).

Optics Education Summit Targets a Growing Need for Laser and Photonics Experts

At a summit organized by NIF&PS leaders, educators from around the country discussed steps they can take to help grow the pipeline of skilled optics and photonics workers needed to feed increasing demand.