Science and Technology Highlights

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.

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. 

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. 

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have reached a milestone in combining AI with fusion target design by deploying AI agents on two of the world’s most powerful supercomputers to automate and accelerate inertial confinement fusion experiments.
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LLNL pushes frontier of fusion target design with AI

LLNL researchers have reached a milestone in combining AI with fusion target design by deploying AI agents to automate and accelerate inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments.

An artist rendering of two water droplets playing a game of tic-tac-toe.
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LLNL makes advances in neuromorphic computing

LLNL researchers create a droplet-based platform that uses ions to perform simple neuromorphic computations.

The 3D quantum ghost imaging microscope setup. A laser and crystal (left) are used to make entangled photons, which are split and sent in two directions. One turns left to hit and scatter off a sample, providing a standard image at a 90-degree angle. The other continues straight and is used to construct a ghost image.
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First-of-its-kind microscope takes 3D ghost images of nanoparticles

LLNL scientists develop a 3D quantum ghost imaging microscope — the first of its kind.

Shown is a rendering of Firefly’s Elytra Dawn vehicle utilizing LLNL’s telescope to perform space domain awareness operations.
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LLNL selected by Defense Innovation Unit to build Pathfinder telescope for spac…

LLNL is selected to provide a new monolithic telescope for a responsive space mission that will launch as early as 2027.