Lawrence Livermore

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have improved their ability to predict how laser light interferes with fusion experiments at the National Ignition Facility (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.

“Throughout my scientific career, the focus of my research has been on the use of optical science and technology to understand materials science and biology,” Laurence said.

Back (Download Image) LLNL collaborated with Rocket Lab and the U.S. Space Force to rapidly deploy an advanced optical payload for the VICTUS HAZE mission, demonstrating a new inspection capability for space domain awareness. (Photo: Garry McLeod/LLNL) Over the past decade, global space launch cadences have grown dramatically, frequently placing multiple payloads into orbit on a single booster.

By Patricia Brady,,(925) 423-4332 Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists and engineers have earned six R&D 100 Awards, which recognize the top 100 inventions worldwide. LLNL was the lead laboratory on four of the winning inventions and contributed to two multi-lab invention wins. Often called the “Oscars of innovation,” the trade journal R&D World Magazine recently announced the 2026 award winners.

Bayesian analysis of shock compression data for argon from the Marsh compendium. Starting from experimental measurements (top left), the Bayesian approach characterizes uncertainty in model parameters (top right) and propagates it through to predictions of future measurements (bottom left) and EOS properties like pressure and volume (bottom right).

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have found that implosions designed for inertial fusion energy (IFE) can tolerate significant imperfections before performance abruptly declines, a finding that could inform the design of fuel targets for future fusion power plants. The findings were detailed in a paper titled “Robustness of inertial fusion energy relevant implosions to low-mode asymmetries,” published recently in Physics of Plasmas and selected for the journal's cover.

Home News Big Ideas Lab Takes Measure of NIF Diagnostics The latest episode of the Big Ideas Lab podcast covers diagnostics at the world's most energetic laser, the National Ignition Facility. (Download Image) By Patricia Brady,,(925) 423-4332 How do you measure what can’t be seen? In the medical field, this is routine. Thermometers check temperatures and x-rays can show broken bones.

Home News Melting Diamond Could Unlock Triple Fusion Gain and the Secrets of Ice-Giant Planets New melting experiments confirm that diamond floats in metallic liquid carbon at high pressures, much like ice cubes float in a glass of water.

With thousands of lasers packed into Livermore’s one-square-mile footprint, personnel working in laser facilities must be familiar with the procedures for safely operating and servicing laser systems. Even though laser light is in the non-ionizing part of the electromagnetic spectrum, it can cause injury and permanent damage in the blink of an eye. This dangerous potential of laser light came to a head after a near-miss incident in 2024.

Home News Meet LLNL Interns: Jennie Ren, NIF&PS Graduate Scholar Jennie Ren researches polymer adhesives and nanocomposites for high-energy laser applications. (Download Image) By Abel Morelos,,(925) 423-1979 Each summer, LLNL welcomes students from broad academic backgrounds who bring fresh perspectives and technical expertise to the Lab’s mission.