Along with its primary missions—stockpile modernization, high energy density science, Discovery Science, and energy security—the Extreme Light, Matter, and Fusion (LMF) Directorate also pursues research and development projects to innovate and develop cutting-edge technologies in support of those missions. The Directorate’s Photon Science program reflects the Laboratory’s core competency in lasers and optical science and technology.
LMF is a long-standing world leader in developing advanced high-energy, high-average-power, pulsed, and ultrafast laser systems.
Photon science advances the frontiers of photonics by conducting photon-based projects for energy, defense, homeland and stockpile security, basic science, and industrial competitiveness. The program strategically invests in new technologies and the development of large-scale photonic systems for federal and international agencies and industry sponsors.
Specific areas of the program’s technical expertise include petawatt (quadrillion-watt) peak-power and megawatt average-power laser technology, meter-scale diffractive optics, and the development of advanced laser crystals, fiber lasers, and transparent ceramics.
More Information
“Turning an X-ray Eye on Universes, Large and Small,” Science & Technology Review, November, 2015
“Developing Lightweight Optics for Space,” Science & Technology Review, January, 2013
Next up: Advanced Photon Technologies
