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With the arrival of the exascale supercomputer El Capitan, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers are entering a new era of scientific simulation — one in which they can model extreme physical events with unprecedented resolution, realism and speed.
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El Capitan revealing hidden worlds in previously unattainable simulations

LLNL researchers model extreme physical events with unprecedented resolution, realism and speed. 

LLNL researchers (from left): Jan Render, Quinn Shollenberger and Greg Brennecka in the laboratory where samples retrieved from the asteroid Bennu were prepared and analyzed.
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Samples from asteroid Bennu contain secrets of the early solar system

LLNL researchers analyzed asteroid material to show that its elements reflect the early composition of the solar system. 

In a paper published in Science, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers detail how they used physics-informed deep learning and a cognitive simulation framework to forecast the success of the historic Dec. 5, 2022 fusion ignition shot, predicting a greater than 70% probability that it would exceed the energy breakeven point — producing more energy from the fusion reaction than the laser energy used to drive it.
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LLNL used AI to predict historic fusion ignition shot

LLNL researchers employed an AI-driven model to predict fusion ignition days ahead of the historic 2022 shot.

LLNL physicist Cole Pruitt is the recipient of the 2025 FRIB Early Career Award in theoretical nuclear physics for his contributions to uncertainty-based nuclear reaction modeling.
// Recognition

LLNL physicist Cole Pruitt honored with early-career achievement award

LLNL physicist Cole Pruitt has been awarded the 2025 Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) Achievement Award for Early Career Researchers in theoretical nuclear physics. 

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have helped develop an advanced, real-time tsunami forecasting system — powered by El Capitan, the world’s fastest supercomputer — that could dramatically improve early warning capabilities for coastal communities near earthquake zones.
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LLNL scientists explore real-time tsunami warning system on world’s fastest sup…

LLNL scientists have helped develop an advanced, real-time tsunami forecasting system that could dramatically improve early warning capabilities. 

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Director Kim Budil was named to Forbes' 50 Over 50 List in August.
// Recognition

LLNL Director Kim Budil named to Forbes 50 Over 50 List

LLNL Director Kim Budil has been named to the 2025 Forbes 50 Over 50 list.

LLNL scientist Luis Zepeda-Ruiz was recognized by the American Association for Crystal Growth for his service to the scientific community.
// Recognition

LLNL’s Luis Zepeda-Ruiz wins prestigious award from American Association for Cr…

At a conference held this summer, the American Association for Crystal Growth (AACG) recognized LLNL scientist Luis Zepeda-Ruiz with its Gentile Service Award.

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and their collaborators have created a new class of programmable soft materials that can absorb impacts like never before, while also changing shape when heated.
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LLNL team develops new material that bends, bounces and absorbs energy on demand

LLNL scientists and collaborators have created a new class of programmable soft materials that can absorb impacts like never before.

A reflection of Brian Bauman (left), the space hardware principal optical engineer and inventor of the monolithic telescope and Frank Ravizza, the space hardware optical engineering lead, is seen on the primary mirror surface on a flight-ready 175-millimeter aperture monolithic telescope. Additionally, Ravizza is seen holding a 25-millimeter aperture monolithic optic. The ease of handling showcases the robust design incorporated in all monolithic telescopes.
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LLNL and Starris sign agreement, schedule conference talk for Aug. 13

Optimax Space Systems have signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), expanding production of LLNL’s next-generation space domain awareness technology. 

Models developed by a team of authors at LLNL explain the unusual behavior of plutonium. From left to right, Lorin Benedict, Alex Landa, Kyoung Eun Kweon, Emily Moore, Per Söderlind, Christine Wu, Nir Goldman, Randy Hood and Aurelien Perron. Not pictured are Babak Sadigh and Lin Yang.
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LLNL demonstrates new model that explains plutonium’s peculiar behavior

In a new study, LLNL researchers demonstrate a model that can reproduce and explain delta-plutonium’s thermal behavior and unusual properties.