Physics

LLNL’s Physics Division (Physics) uses state-of-the-art tools and unique resources at LLNL to conduct leading-edge research and development activities with broad applications in foundational science, stewardship science, advanced optical systems, and data science. Our scientists are advancing leading-edge science and capability development at a range of national and international user facilities as well as programs in science, technology, energy, and national security.

A key connection to the external community is through centers and institutes at LLNL, including the Space Science Institute and the Livermore Center for Quantum Science.

We drive research at the forefront of physics by:

Determining fundamental properties of matter through experiments as well as running models and simulations using exascale, high-performance-computing resources.
Applying physics-informed computational techniques to both massive and sparse data sets, informing and guiding national security challenges.
Developing and applying physics-based experiments and theories for complex integrated experiments to relevant national security interests.
Developing new capabilities in space science and security, including space-based observations of Earth and small-satellite technology.
Advancing quantum information science over the full range of quantum computing topics (hardware, control, classical-quantum interfaces, algorithms, applications) and quantum sensing devices.

Explore this page to learn more about the people, research, and resources that support our mission.

Jason Jeffries

Division Leader

[email protected]

Al Osterheld

Deputy Division Leader

[email protected]

Caitlin Menniti

Physics Division Administrator

[email protected]

Trini Gonzales

Physics Division Office Manager

[email protected]

Applied Physics
Condensed Matter

Associate Division Leader: Stefan Hau-Riege

Our scientists and engineers push the boundaries of photon sciences and space technology to meet needs in nuclear security, space security, and basic and applied science. Our instrumentation and analysis techniques help establish new approaches for space situational awareness and space-based Earth observations.

Our work on visual to x-ray instrumentation as well as laboratory astrophysics plays an important role in telescope and satellite missions and astrophysical investigations. In addition, we pioneer and refine x-ray optics to understand photon–matter interactions and support high-energy-density physics efforts at National Nuclear Security Administration facilities, while exploring novel uses of multilayer optics for gamma-ray spectroscopy and thermal-neutron imaging.

Our researchers have participated in notable projects, including:

The Gemini Planet Imager
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
The National Reconnaissance Office’s CubeSat−Next Generation Bus program
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory and NuSTAR satellites

Our researchers comprise groups that perform basic and applied research to support science and security missions both at the Laboratory and for external sponsors. Learn more about these research groups by expanding the sections below.

Group leader: Mark Ammons

The Astronomy & Astrophysics Analytics (AAA) group conducts research in cosmology, exoplanets, stars, and the solar system. We have a large focus on data analytics with techniques that include applying image processing and inference algorithms, such as Bayesian statistical methods and machine learning, to ground- and space-based optical telescope images and simulations. Our cosmology researchers seek to understand the nature of dark energy through weak gravitational lensing of galaxies. AAA uses image detection, orbit determination, and simulation techniques to investigate Earth Trojan asteroids and explores adaptive optics capabilities and their applications for exoplanet discovery. Through simulations of stars and the solar system, our group is one of the largest users of high-performance computing at the lab.

The AAA group plays a central role in the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space Time (LSST) operations and data processing pipeline, building on an LLNL legacy of over two decades of engineering and science contributions to the project. Our group members include working group leaders and pipeline scientists in the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration. We are also active in the Zwicky Transient Facility and the Hyper Suprime-Cam surveys.

Modern sky surveys are big data machines, which has motivated our group to lead efforts in machine learning algorithms, pipelines, open-source data releases, and student programs in collaboration with the LLNL Data Science Institute. Members of our group also contribute leadership to the LLNL Institutional Initiative for Computational Forecasting with Integrable Systems and the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Incubator.

Beyond science research within PLS, our group supports programs within the Global Security and National Ignition Facility & Photon Science directorates through modeling, simulation, analysis, and instrumentation for multi-domain deterrence missions.

Group leader: Greg Brown

The Astrophysics and Advanced Diagnostics group includes a diverse group of scientists studying a wide range of topics, including atomic physics, x-ray astrophysics, solar and planetary physics, and nuclear physics.

Our group designs and implements a wide range of diagnostic instrumentation. We operate the original electron beam ion trap (EBIT-I), where we use an extensive suite of grating, crystal, and solid-state spectrometers—including a multichannel, high-resolution quantum calorimeter spectrometer designed and built at the NASA/Goddard Space Center—to conduct high accuracy measurements of fundamental properties of highly charged ions relevant to astrophysics, solar physics, and fusion science.

Our vibrant laboratory astrophysics program supports both astrophysics and solar physics missions including Chandra, XMM-Newton, Suzaku, Hitomi, XARM, ATHENA, Hinode, and the Solar Dynamics Observatory. In addition, EBIT-I is used to test and calibrate high-resolution grating and crystal spectrometers designed by members of our group. These instruments are used to study and diagnose fusion and laser-produced plasmas at several international facilities, including the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade, Alcator C-Mod tokamak, DIII-D National Fusion Facility, and AWE's Orion laser. Our members participate and play leading roles in experiments at all of these facilities.

We have a history of participating in science working groups and instrument teams for orbiting x-ray satellites and are currently co-investigators and science team members for the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission. Our members also lead shots at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), and participate in the design, calibration, and characterization of diagnostics for NIF's targets and laser optics, as well as NIF's standard nuclear diagnostics suite. Our team members also play a leadership role in LLNL's Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation program.

Group leader: Marie-Anne Descalle

Our group develops advanced x-ray optics solutions and explores photon–matter interaction processes for basic science investigations and programmatic missions. We push the limits of x-ray optics by utilizing our unique cross-disciplinary expertise in optics design, optimization, and fabrication to:

Build wave-front-preserving static and actuated beamline optics to transport and focus intense beams fabricated utilizing leading-edge thin-film coatings and multilayers.
Develop, field, and interpret novel diagnostics based on reflective x-ray optics for inertial confinement fusion and stockpile stewardship.
Explore novel uses of multilayer optics for gamma-ray spectroscopy or thermal-neutron imaging for nuclear security applications.
Develop next-generation x-ray telescopes for astrophysics and solar astronomy applications.
Perform high-intensity x-ray–plasma interaction studies for code validation for LLNL’s Strategic Deterrence directorate.

Group leader: Wim De Vries

Our activities span astrophysical science research to focused national security programs in space for situational awareness and space protection, as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. We support programmatic efforts in LLNL’s Global Security, Strategic Deterrence, and National Ignition Facility & Photon Science organizations, and we execute science-based research and development within PLS.

Some example projects:

Characterizing very high-altitude atmospheric conditions from space-based platforms (the GEOstare Space Vehicle 2 satellite and the International Space Station).
Adaptive optics system simulation, design, implementation, and laboratory testing, with a research focus on advanced algorithms for wavefront sensing and predictive control.
Optical payloads for nano-satellites.

Additionally, we have explored the use of survey telescopes for dark matter research, developed algorithms and software tools for simulation of orbital space events, and implemented sensor calibration and exploitation strategies for hyperspectral airborne sensors.

Group leader: Stefan Hau-Riege (Acting)

Associate Division Leader: Phil Sterne

We conduct forefront research in condensed matter physics, science, and technology in support of LLNL missions. Our portfolio addresses national security, high-energy-density science, equations-of-state and constitutive properties, basic science, and advanced technology.

Among our key capabilities are modern experimental platforms, high-performance computing, and advanced theoretical methods. We study high-pressure states and dynamics of matter at the Advanced Photon Source. We implement new algorithms and approaches on supercomputers to model and simulate the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. Using tightly coordinated theory, experiments, and simulations, we explore comprehensive predictive understandings of the physics of matter under a broad range of conditions.

From materials theory to phase-transition kinetics, our scientists pursue forward-looking research studies to anticipate future challenges. Learn more about our research groups by expanding the sections below.

Group leader: Luis Zepeda-Ruiz

We research theoretical and computational condensed-matter physics in support of major Department of Energy and LLNL programs. Our research emphasizes quantum mechanical modeling and simulation of materials properties over wide ranges of temperature and pressure, focusing on understanding and elaborating the structural and thermodynamic properties of metals.

To learn more about our research, methods, and staff, visit the EOS and Materials Theory Group page.

Group leader: Damian Swift

We develop and implement new tools for EOS and related applications. Our work spans from quantum electronic structure code development to the libleos application program interface and associated tools. Our goal is to emphasize the importance of longer-term capability development for EOS-related activities.

Group leader: Christine Wu

The Equation of State (EOS) and Program Integration group seeks to bridge state-of-the-art science with mission-critical programmatic needs, including high-pressure inertial confinement fusion applications and planetary science. One of our key goals is to deliver physics-based equations of states for a wide range of materials including metals, compounds, and molecular systems—as well as mixtures of such material—in order to accurately describe the thermodynamic behavior under compression and heating in hydrodynamic simulations.

To achieve this, we:

Develop EOS free-energy models, mixture algorithms, and uncertainty quantification methodologies, all of which are being continually improved for implementation into our EOS generation codes.
Incorporate state-of-the-art experiments through engagements with our colleagues in the static and dynamic high-pressure communities.
Design and conduct application-relevant ab initio quantum calculations in collaboration with other groups in the Condensed Matter section and incorporate these calculations into the construction of our EOS models.
Maintain a close integration with programmatic applications and scientific efforts on other constitutive models that rely on EOS information, such as the ongoing efforts to develop strength and phase-transition-kinetics models.

Group leader: Zsolt Jenei

We are an experimental group focused on studying materials under extreme high-pressure and temperature conditions. We develop advanced compression capabilities using the diamond anvil cell and advanced x-ray and optical diagnostics. The group carries out high-fidelity experiments to determine physical, thermodynamic, and constitutive properties of materials. Our research directly aligns with the shared stockpile stewardship mission of LLNL and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Group leader: Minta Akin

Our group uses dynamic compression to study materials under extreme compression and thermal conditions. We conduct high-fidelity, high-precision studies of the physical, thermodynamic, and constitutive properties of matter and the associated dynamics and kinetics of phase transitions using a combination of experimental platforms (gas guns, lasers, beamlines, etc.). We also develop novel diagnostics, statistical models, and analysis packages to support this work. Our experimental studies vitally affect and are closely aligned to the National Nuclear Security Administration’s stockpile stewardship mission.

Group leader: Yaniv Rosen

Our group is focused on development of hardware, algorithms, and control for near-term applications in quantum information, sensing, and computing. Overarching goals are to draw from and build a community around intersections in applied mathematics, computer science, quantum information, and device physics to make optimal use of near-term quantum hardware.

To learn more about our research and facilities, visit the Quantum Coherent Device Physics Group page.

Group leader: Alfredo Correa-Tedesco