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Neuromorphic ionic devices have the potential to mimic the energy efficient computing found in the human brain.
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Bridging the gap between neuromorphic ionic computing and more efficient AI

To bring neuromorphic ionic computing research to the next level, researchers at LLNL, along with colleagues at other national laboratories and academic institutions, outlined the key scientific questions and knowledge gaps that must be addressed.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Forensic Science Center created a novel technique to uncover traces of the Soman nerve agent, strengthening chemical forensics and OPCW investigations. The FSC team, from left: Adele Panasci-Nott, Alexander Vu, Carlos Valdez, Mark Dreyer, David Cho, David Baliu-Rodriguez and Saphon Hok.
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LLLNL’s Forensic Science Center develops a new capability to detect chemical we…

Researchers at LLNL Forensic Science Center (FSC) recently developed a new technique to detect pinacolyl alcohol (PA), a unique marker for the nerve agent Soman in environmental samples. The paper has been published in ACS Omega, where it was given the Editor’s Choice Award.
A diagram of the plasma flow reactor that can be used to examine particles as they move from a hot plasma (left) to a cooler condensed state (right).
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LLNL scientists use controlled experiments to better understand nuclear fallout

In a recent study, published in Analytical Chemistry, researchers at LLNL examined how uranium, cerium and cesium vaporize, react and condense under controlled changes in temperature.
LLNL’s advanced optics system for Ocula, featuring the Lab’s state-of-the-art monolithic telescope, will capture high-resolution ultraviolet and visible images of the lunar surface onboard Firefly’s Elytra spacecraft in lunar orbit.
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LLNL optics system set to fly to the moon with Firefly Aerospace for Ocula imag…

A team of scientists at LLNL recently delivered a high-resolution optics system to Firefly Aerospace in support of Firefly’s Ocula commercial lunar imaging service.
On May 7, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Director Kim Budil, fourth from left, joined a public-private panel on AI for science, where she highlighted LLNL capabilities and AI focus areas, including the National Ignition Facility, El Capitan, high-fidelity modeling and simulation and advanced materials and manufacturing.
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LLNL showcases AI-enabled science, national security and energy innovation at A…

LLNL leaders, scientists and engineers joined national voices at the Special Competitive Studies Project’s (SCSP) AI+ Expo May 7-9, 2026 in Washington, D.C., highlighting how AI is reshaping science, security and energy innovation.
LLNL scientists Nicholas Watkins and Sankar Raju Narayanasamy run a high-throughput screening system to test hundreds of enzymes for their ability to break down cellulose
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Screening enzymes to break down plant waste and produce valuable biofuels

A team at LLNL has designed two high-throughput screening systems to test hundreds of enzymes for their ability to break down cellulose in various forms of agricultural byproducts and plant waste. The result could be used to identify the most efficient enzymes for different materials, transforming biomass into biofuel.
LLNL’s Innovation and Partnerships Office and the rare-earth element biomining research team won an FLC Excellence in Tech Transfer Award for 2026. Shown in their lab are (left to right): Yongqin Jiao, Patrick Diep, Ziye Dong, Jeremy Seidel, Gauthier Deblonde, Dan Park and Christina Kang-Yun. (IPO awardees Yash Vaishnav and Samantha Madru not shown.)
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LLNL researchers, partnerships office earn technology transfer awards

The Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) has recognized the commercialization efforts of LLNL’s researchers and Innovation and Partnerships Office (IPO) for the mission innovation impact of two Lab-developed technologies through a 2026 award and an honorable mention.
One of the Pandora Observatory’s test images, captured by the near-infrared detector assembly (NIRDA) on January 19, 2026, demonstrates progress toward beginning its groundbreaking mission to study exoplanet atmospheres. The NIRDA disperses the light from the telescope in vertical lines — shown by the yellow streaking in the image — which are then correlated as specific intensities and wavelengths of light.
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Pandora mission images help prepare for exoplanet atmosphere observations

The CODA telescope, developed by a team of scientists and engineers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), in partnership with Corning Incorporated, captured an abstract portrait of the cosmos as it opened its eyes to deep space for the very first time.
The AVLIS program began at LLNL in 1973 and was suspended in 1999. Now, the technology is being revived to create a domestic process for enriching lithium and fuel an energy-resilient nation.
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Revitalized laser technology captures commercialization grant

LLNL researchers are partnering with Hexium, Inc. to address this national need for lithium isotopes.
Ground motion simulation of a magnitude 7 earthquake on the Hayward fault using the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory-Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Earthquake Simulation platform.
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Simulations predict ground motion for earthquakes on Bay Area’s Hayward fault

In a recent study, published in Seismological Research Letters, scientists at LLNL and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) simulated earthquake scenarios on the Hayward fault and analyzed how the rupture and underground structure affect ground-motion intensity along the fault.