NIF & Photon Science News
January 25, 2017
Spotlight on:
Science & Technology
A Clearer Look at NIF Fusion Implosions
An upgraded version of NIF’s Kirkpatrick-Baez high-resolution x-ray microscope has produced the clearest images yet of the effects on NIF implosions caused by the fill tube used to insert fuel into the target capsule and the ultrathin “tents” that suspend the capsule inside the hohlraum. The perturbations are believed to interfere with the implosion’s ability to generate the energy needed to spark a self-sustaining fusion reaction that results in ignition. Read more...
Poised to Advance Stockpile Stewardship Research
LLNL researchers have achieved an important demonstration of a new NIF imaging capability that could help them understand complex phenomena important to the science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program. Read more...
Postdoc Designs NIF Targets
LLNL postdoctoral fellow Ryan Sacks, whose research centers on capsule-fuel mix in National Ignition Facility capsules, enjoys the Laboratory’s challenging projects and collaborative atmosphere. Read more...
National Geographic Film Crew Visits NIF
A crew from National Geographic visited NIF on Jan. 13 to film an episode for an upcoming documentary series titled, “Origins.” The episode will explore the story of humankind’s efforts to harness the process of nuclear fusion. Read more...
Aligning the Target Positioners
NIF operators acquired simultaneous positioning stability for all three NIF target positioners in the Target Alignment Sensor during the December 2016 facility maintenance and reconfiguration period. Read more...
