Laser-fusion experiment squeezes out even more energy.

The article focuses on recent advances at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in achieving energy gain through laser-driven inertial confinement fusion. In July 2023, NIF's 192 lasers imploded a tiny capsule of deuterium and tritium, producing 3.88 megajoules of fusion energy—89% more than the laser energy input—marking the second time in eight months that NIF achieved such gain. Researchers are refining target capsule design and laser performance to improve implosion symmetry and energy efficiency, with plans to increase laser energy to 2.2 megajoules to potentially yield 5 to 10 megajoules of fusion energy in coming years. This work contributes to understanding fusion ignition and burning plasma, distinct from magnetic confinement approaches like tokamaks, and supports both fusion research and nuclear weapons stewardship.