LLE’s NNSA Program is organized around four major technical topics associated with HED stockpile science: Thermonuclear Burn (TNB), Radiation Hydrodynamics and Transport (RH&T), Material Properties (MP), and Output and Survivability (O&S). The major thrust areas are:
Inertial Fusion and Ignition Physics (TNB, RH&T, O&S): Developing high-fusion-yield (>100-MJ) ignition platforms has been identified by NNSA as an essential long-term goal. Such a capability will enable stockpile stewardship applications at relevant conditions (TNB) and provide radiation and neutron sources to enable the RH&T and O&S goals. This multidisciplinary research is led by the groups:
High-Energy-Density (HED) Physics (RH&T, MP, TNB): Develop computational tools and experimental platforms for fundamental material properties studies. This multidisciplinary research is led by the groups:
Laser Science and Technology (TNB, RH&T, MP, O&S): Develop new laser technologies, enabling high-gain designs, and high-pressure HED platforms.
Omega Operations: LLE hosts the Omega Laser Facility, one of the three primary NNSA HED facilities, and the largest laser facility in the world at an academic institution.
Education and Workforce Development: One of LLE’s principle strategies is to expand the opportunities to educate and challenge a diverse, technical, and inclusive cadre of scientists, engineers, and technicians for careers relevant to the NNSA missions; this includes high school, BEST High School Student and Teacher Research Program, undergraduate program, and Ph.D. programs both at the University of Rochester and through other academic partners.