National Ignition Facility

7000 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550

 

The National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California, is a large laser-based inertial confinement fusion (ICF) testing system. In order to induce nuclear fusion reactions, NIF uses lasers to heat and compress a small volume of hydrogen fuel. NIF’s goal is to achieve high-energy fusion ignition and to promote nuclear weapon maintenance and construction by researching the behavior of matter under nuclear weapon conditions. NIF is the world’s biggest and most powerful ICF system, as well as the world’s largest laser.

 

The NIF began construction in 1997, but delays due to management issues and technological issues hindered development into the early 2000s. After 2000, development was faster, but NIF was finished five years late and almost four times more expensive than initially budgeted, according to initial forecasts. The US Department of Energy approved the project complete on March 31, 2009, and a dedication ceremony was held on May 29, 2009. In June 2009, the first large-scale laser target experiments were conducted, and in October 2010, the first “integrated ignition trials” were deemed complete. 

 

From 2009 to 2012, a lengthy process was undertaken to get the device to its full capacity. Several tests were carried out as part of the National Ignition Program during this period, with the goal of achieving ignition shortly after the laser achieved full power, sometime in the second half of 2012. The campaign came to an end in September 2012, when the conditions for ignition were about 110. Experiments since then have brought this closer to 13, but the machine also needs a lot of theoretical and realistic testing before it can achieve ignition. NIF has mainly been used for materials science and weapons testing since 2012.

 

Gaining New Insights 

 

Users will learn more about the processes that drive young and dying stars, supernova hydrodynamics, black holes, interstellar magnetic fields, warm dense matter, and the interiors of giant planets thanks to NIF’s study. The NIF experiments would lay the theoretical groundwork for a new era of energy development. Through harnessing the strength of the sun and stars, inertial fusion technology has the ability to produce nearly unlimited secure and sustainable nuclear energy.

 

Producing New Generation of Researchers

 

Researchers and university consumers who are creative minds and future pioneers in the science field are drawn to NIF’s world-class facilities to perform cutting-edge research. NIF tests assist in the maintenance of nuclear weapons scientists’ expertise and the preparation of the next generation to continue stewardship of the nation’s nuclear arsenal. Their analysis forces these men and women to tackle difficult questions on a regular basis.

 

Livermore, California is blessed to be home to many amazing landmarks that delight both residents and visitors alike.  Check out these amazing landmarks:

 

• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Discovery Center
• Livermore Shiva-Vishnu Temple
• Ravenswood Historic Site
• Livermore Performing Arts Center
• Sycamore Grove Park Livermore
• Centennial Light Bulb
• Livermore Art Association Gallery
• Lake Del Valle

All of these wonderful attractions are located just a short distance from our location at Wright Brothers Avenue in Livermore! Stop by for a visit anytime!