Nuclear Fusion 101

On December 5, 2022, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) successfully achieved fusion ignition for the first time in an experiment at the National Ignition Facility.  This achievement was the result of about six decades of research in inertial confinement fusion (ICF), and garnered national and international media attention.  But, what exactly is ignition and why does this achievement matter to the defense industry?

Join us as Dr. Heather Whitley gives a tutorial overview of inertial confinement fusion and ignition research how this work contributes to the maintenance of the nation’s nuclear weapons.