National Ignition Facility & Photon Science

Artist’s conception of a novel crossed-beam energy transfer technique for measuring plasma conditions. Credit: Mark Meamber

When Lasers Cross: LLNL Finds a Brighter Way to Measure Plasma

Jan. 29, 2026-

LLNL scientists have tested a new crossed-laser technique that measures plasma conditions in a single shot, with signals more than a billion times stronger than traditional Thomson scattering.

Fusion Power Associates Honors NIF Target Innovator Abbas Nikroo

Jan. 27, 2026-

Abbas Nikroo, deputy director for physics integration at LLNL's National Ignition Facility, received the 2025 Distinguished Career Award by Fusion Power Associates.

NIF target assembly to measure nuclear reactions in high-energy-density plasma environments

Measuring Nuclear Reactions Found Inside Stars

Jan. 14, 2026-

NIF's capabilities enabled LLNL radiochemistry experts to make the first experimental measurements of nuclear reactions in high energy density plasma environments similar to conditions found in stars and thermonuclear explosions.

Members of the International Cooperation on Next-Gen Inertial Confinement Fusion Lasers team visit NIF

LLNL and Fraunhofer ILT Partner on Next-Generation Fusion Lasers

Dec. 19, 2025-

LLNL and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) are joining forces to cross-validate their sophisticated laser simulation models.

LLNL Laser Safety Officer Hayden Johnson with his Laser Application Demonstration

Where Beam Paths and Career Paths Intersect

Dec. 17, 2025-

As a laser safety officer, Hayden Johnson knows the location and handling protocols for hundreds of lasers across the Lab. Here's why serving in this role is especially fulfilling.

LLNL Conducts Milestone Nuclear Survivability Experiment at NIF

Dec. 1, 2025-

LLNL conducted an experiment at NIF to assess the ability of U.S. nuclear weapons to survive encounters with adversary missile defenses and reach their targets, demonstrating a new capability that advances stockpile modernization.

Target Fab's Suhas Bhandarkar: From Inception to Ignition and Beyond

Dec. 1, 2025-

Tiny parts and absolute meticulousness define Suhas Bhandarkar’s award-winning career. He leads a team that helps transform LLNL’s physicists’ bold ideas into reality at NIF.