Physics
Driving research at the forefront of physics to address national security challenges
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, fusion energy, advanced optical systems, and data science.
Within Physics, our collaborative research and development teams focus on condensed-matter physics, plasma science, high-pressure physics, and dynamically driven systems. 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 High Energy Density Science Center, 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 under extreme conditions through experiments as well as running models and simulations using exascale, high-performance-computing resources. Examples of these extreme conditions are high pressures and temperatures of planetary interiors and stars, plasmas in fusion reactors, vast expanses of the universe, quantum nature of isolated atoms, and a range of defense and national security applications.
- 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.
People
Research Areas
Applied Physics
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: Michael Schneider
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)
Condensed Matter
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: John Klepeis
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
Fusion Sciences
Associate Division Leader: Harry Mclean
Our Section is LLNL’s point of contact for the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science Fusion Energy Sciences (DOE/SC-FES). In this role we cover a broad range of research activities, including magnetic and inertial fusion energy, discovery plasma science, high energy density laboratory plasmas, and fusion technology and materials. In addition, our section provides technical discipline support to other DOE sponsors in the areas of Applied Plasma Science for National Security and Pulsed Power Fusion Science.
In support of our primary role of advancing fusion energy for societal needs, our scientists hold leadership roles in the major DOE multi-institutional fusion research centers including the DIII-D National Fusion Facility hosted by General Atomics in San Diego and National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Our international efforts for SC-FES include fusion energy programs in Europe, China, and South Korea.
Learn more about our research groups by expanding the sections below.
Associate Program Leader: Jason Sears (Acting)
Group leader: Tammy Ma
The Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) team at LLNL supports the Department of Energy’s Office of Science Fusion Energy Sciences efforts to advance inertial confinement fusion as an energy source for societal needs. As home to the National Ignition Facility and the Jupiter Laser Facility, LLNL is connected to unique capabilities in this area and now leads a national IFE effort that encompasses many needed advancements, including more efficient and repetitive-firing laser drivers and new target designs that will be needed to adopt this technology for practical use.
High Energy Density Laboratory Plasmas supports fundamental science to explore matter at extreme conditions of temperature, density, and pressure. This includes wide-ranging areas from laboratory astrophysics and planetary science to the structure and dynamics of matter at atomic scales. Our scientists probe the physics of laser-plasma interactions and study the structure of magnetized plasmas. We both use and support the LaserNetUS network and the Matter for Extreme Conditions end station at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
Group leader: Steve Allen
We compare experimental results with analytical theory and computational models of plasma behavior to develop novel diagnostic measurements and execute state-of-the-art MFE experiments focused on both the core and boundary of high-performance MFE plasmas. Our advanced diagnostics are relevant to one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world, ITER. We focus specifically on experiments conducted at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility at General Atomics.
Group leader: Ben Dudson
Our group undertakes basic and applied plasma science as well as plasma theory and computations in support of magnetic and inertial fusion experiments. Our researchers develop fluid and kinetic plasma models and work with applied mathematicians and computer scientists to develop advanced algorithms that utilize high performance computing to simulate plasma phenomena.
One of the focus areas of our group is understanding and controlling the boundary region of magnetically confined plasmas: A transition region between hot confined plasma and the walls of the surrounding vessel that is critical to fusion performance. To do this, we have developed expertise in plasma physics, atomic and molecular physics, plasma-wall interactions, and maintain strong links to engineering groups and experimental teams.
Simulation tools developed in our group with domestic and international partners include the UEDGE plasma transport solver, the BOUT++ framework for writing fluid plasma simulations in curvilinear geometry, and the COGENT continuum kinetic code.
Group leader: Vlad Soukhanovskii
We compare experimental results with analytical theory and computational models of plasma behavior to develop novel diagnostic measurements and execute state-of-the-art magnetic fusion energy (MFE) experiments focused on both the core and boundary of high-performance MFE plasmas. Our advanced diagnostics are relevant to one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world, ITER.
We focus specifically on experiments conducted at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory’s National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) and Lithium Tokamak Experiment-Beta, in addition to the Mega-Ampere Spherical Tokamak Upgrade at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in the United Kingdom.
Group leader: Andrea Schmidt
High-Energy-Density Science
Associate Division Leader: David Bradley
Our research in high-energy-density (HED) physics includes astrophysics, atomic physics, spectroscopy, radiation transport, planetary science, and advanced diagnostic development and supports major LLNL programs. Using dynamic compression techniques and advanced diagnostics, we explore the behavior of matter at high-atmosphere pressures and at high temperatures. We reproduce the physical states existing inside stars, planets, and nuclear weapons.
Ongoing work includes laser–plasma interactions, particle acceleration, harmonic generation, short-pulse laser physics, and magnetic fusion. We explore inertial confinement fusion and weapons physics at the National Ignition Facility. We carry out our HED science work at major national and international facilities, ranging from synchrotrons and free electron x-ray lasers to z-pinches and laser plasmas. We develop and apply theoretical and computational models to questions of atomic physics, statistical physics, radiation opacities, HED plasmas, laser–matter interactions, and transport.
We conduct experiments at a variety of user facilities, including LLNL’s NIF and Jupiter Laser Facility, the Omega Laser Facility at the University of Rochester, the MEC-U Linac Coherent Light Source at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and the European X-ray Free Electron Laser facility.
Learn more about our research groups by expanding the sections below.
Group leader: Alison Saunders
We focus on the study of high energy density material properties in support of a broad swath of LLNL-relevant missions. Specifically, we study materials using a myriad of dynamic compression facilities, ranging from gas guns to lasers, in order to understand how materials compress, stretch, and fail under extreme conditions. Our work supports both fundamental understanding of how material behavior changes at high pressure conditions, as well as focused studies to improve material models and enhance laboratory simulation capabilities.
Group leader: Andy Krygier
The Dynamic Compression of Materials group performs experiments investigating material properties at extreme compression. We use both laser and gas-gun drivers to shock or ramp compress solids, liquids, gases, and plasma to the multi-millibar pressure regime and beyond. Our physics experiments target fundamental high-pressure science questions relevant to complex systems like alloys and compounds, high pressure chemistry, the interiors of large planets, and inertial confinement fusion conditions. We reach ‘beyond current boundaries’ by innovating new approaches and reimagining existing capabilities. We are fundamentally driven by discovery that is underpinned by an unwavering dedication to excellence, rigorousness, and transparency.
Group leader: Yuan Ping
We develop and use dynamic compression techniques and advanced diagnostics to explore the behavior of matter at millions to billions of atmospheres pressures, conditions exceeding the atomic unit of pressure (~100 million atmospheres), and to reproduce states existing deep inside stars, sub-stellar objects, and planets. This fundamental research is giving a new understanding to core shell chemistry, the behavior of solids at high pressures, the evolution of planets, the potential for controlled thermonuclear plasmas, and a wide variety of national security applications.
Group leader: Robert Heeter
We study the radiation properties of plasmas and the effects of x-rays on materials and systems. These properties include the basic atomic physics of isolated ions, opacities and radiation flow in hot dense matter, photoionization in black hole accretion disks, and x-ray spectra emitted by ignited fusion plasmas. The plasmas in these experiments are produced at laser facilities such as the National Ignition Facility and the Jupiter Laser Facility, as well as using devices like the Electron Beam Ion Trap.
Group leader: Steve Libby
Our primary focus is on understanding and computing the microscopic physics of hot and warm dense plasmas, with typical applications to laser-produced plasmas, intense laser–matter interaction, inertial fusion, stockpile stewardship, and astrophysics. To do this, we develop and apply cutting-edge theoretical and computational models to electron relativistic and non-relativistic atomic physics, the equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics of dense hot dense plasmas, radiation opacities, plasma equations of state, transport, and laser-plasma interaction.
We use our models to produce the detailed opacities and plasma equations of state required for radiation-hydrodynamics simulations. For example, the OPAL opacity code—now a key part of the standard solar model—was developed in our group. In parallel, we also apply our computational techniques to work with our experimental teams on the development and analysis of experiments aimed at probing the physics of inertial fusion and other plasmas, including understanding the impact of high magnetic fields, developing specialty hard x-ray sources, and advancing the physics of short-pulse, laser-driven high harmonics. In addition to traditional atomic physics methods, we are also applying Bayesian inference techniques and machine learning methods in these areas.
Lastly, we work on the development of quantum coherent sensors based on atom interferometry for security and basic science applications, as well as the development of ion trap quantum computing.
Group leaders: Bernard Kozioziemski (imaging) and Sabrina Nagel (detection)
Our Imaging and Detection groups develop and deploy advanced x-ray diagnostics and measurement techniques at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Measurements with x-rays provide a unique view of many processes in the high-energy-density (HED) sciences. Dense plasmas and dense metals are often opaque to visible light, but transparent to x-rays, making x-rays a good characterization tool for HED measurements. Many materials will also begin to emit x-rays when they reach extreme temperatures, such as those achieved during inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments.
We work on pushing both spatial and temporal resolutions, developing x-ray diagnostics capable of resolving features one-tenth the size of a human hair in fractions of a nano-second. These diagnostics include particle spectrometers, x-ray optics for imaging, ultra-fast x-ray detectors, and high-efficiency detection. These measurements must be acquired while operating in the harsh NIF environment, which is bathed in electromagnetic interference and potentially neutrons.
Other areas of exploration include the development of bright laser-produced x-ray sources, image analysis methods to quantify material shape during ICF implosions, and the development of new experiments to understand HED physics.
Career Opportunities
We’re always looking for talented scientists to join our team.
Everything we do supports LLNL missions in foundational science, defense technology, stockpile stewardship, nuclear threat reduction, and space science and security. If you’re interested in joining our team, browse our open positions or learn more about LLNL research pathways in physics.
Capabilities & Facilities
Our researchers utilize world-class scientific capabilities and modern high-performance computing facilities to support Laboratory programs. Listed below are LLNL’s state-of-the-art capabilities commonly used by our scientists.
Accelerator Complex
Contact: Scott Anderson
LLNL’s accelerator complex houses sophisticated tools to accelerate charged particles to incredibly high speeds. Located three stories underground, these instruments allow our nuclear physicists to detect isotopes, create fast neutrons, peer inside heavily shielded objects, and characterize unknown material.
Additional information is available on the Accelerator Complex webpage.
Actinide Materials
Contact: Scott McCall
We support global and national security missions by maintaining capabilities to synthesize, characterize, and test materials containing actinides.
Animal Care Facility (ACF)
Contact: acf [at] lists.llnl.gov (ACF support)
The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animals, International (AAALAC)-accredited and Public Health Service (PHS) Assured animal facility houses several thousand small animals, which are cared for by full-time Laboratory animal technologists. Animal models are used in comparative genomics studies that focus on understanding gene regulation and for vaccine and countermeasure development.
Earn practical research experience by working with mentors on a wide range of projects in geoscience, climate, and atmospheric science.
Learn more about our internship in atmospheric, earth, and energy science.
Autoradiography Imaging
Contact: Kim Knight
Sub-millimeter resolution alpha and beta radioactivity imaging
Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (CAMS)
Contact: Nanette Sorensen or Scott Tumey
Researchers at CAMS use diverse analytical techniques and state-of-the-art instrumentation to develop and apply unique, ultra-sensitive isotope ratio measurement and ion beam analytical techniques.
Additional information is available on the CAMS website.
Center for Micro- and Nanotechnology (CMNT)
Contact: Engineering Directorate
Researchers at the CMNT invent, develop, and apply microscale and nanoscale technologies to support LLNL missions. The research and capabilities of the Center cover materials, devices, instruments, and systems that require microfabricated components, including microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), electronics, photonics, micro- and nanostructures, and micro- and nanoactuators.
Additional information is available on the Engineering website.
Center for National Security Applications of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Contact: Derrick Kaseman
The NMR facility provides advanced characterization of chemical processes and materials using magnetically passed spectroscopic capabilities. The center houses multiple spectrometers used to analyze solids, liquids, and gases, including explosives, highly toxic industrial chemicals, and chemical and biological threat agents.
Develop and apply methods in computational materials science, computational chemistry, and other related areas of computational science.
Learn more about the CCMS internship.
Computational Nuclear Physics
Contact: Bret Beck
We measure, collect, and evaluate nuclear data and incorporate these data into libraries to be used in simulations. We provide nuclear data, physics simulation, and data processing tools for experimental and theoretical nuclear data.
Additional information is available on the Computational Nuclear Physics website.
Cooperative Research Center for NanoScaffold-based Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccines
Contact: Matthew Coleman
Leading experts in immunology and nanotechnology are developing and testing a new type of vaccine to prevent sexually transmitted infections caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) pathogen.
Additional information is available on the Cooperative Research Center for NanoScaffold-based Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccines webpage.
Work on data science problems that matter to the nation while pursuing a degree in machine learning, statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, or similar fields.
Learn more about the Data Science Summer Institute.
Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC) and Ultrafast Science
Contact: Geoffrey Campbell
Our diamond anvil-based laboratories can measure materials properties at static pressures above 1 Mbar, providing essential equation-of-state information for weapons, experiment design, and further study of the chemistries that control unique material formation. Additional experiments to study shock compression with 10 picosecond time resolution are pushing the limits of current theories of the metal strength, phase transitions, and chemical kinetics.
Dynamic Transmission Electron Microscope (DTEM)
Contact: Geoffrey Campbell
The LLNL-developed DTEM enables direct observation of unique mechanical properties controlled by features at the nanoscale.
Additional information is available on the DTEM webpage.
Electron Beam Ion Trap (EBIT)
Contact: Greg Brown
An EBIT makes and traps very highly charged ions by means of a high-current density electron beam. The ions can be observed in the trap itself or extracted from the trap for external experiments. Our EBIT is the only ion source in the world that can create highly charged ions that are practically at rest, allowing us to study an otherwise inaccessible domain.
Additional information is available on the EBIT website.
Electron Microscopy
Contact: Kerri Blobaum
LLNL maintains state-of-the-art capabilities in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to characterize materials.
Energetic Materials Center (EMC)
Contact: Lara Leininger
The EMC supports research and development for advanced conventional weapons, rocket and gun propellants, homeland security, demilitarization, and industrial applications of energetic materials. Our researchers, as part of the EMC, specialize in the modeling and experimentation surrounding the development, characterization, and effectiveness of high explosives.
Additional information is available on the EMC website.
Feedstocks for Additive Manufacturing
Contact: Yong Han
Our scientists and engineers optimize additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques, such as direct-ink writing, through focused investments in feedstock development. Using computer programs to simulate particle size and scale, we develop new feedstock materials from combinations of polymers, composites, and ceramics, with applications ranging from weapon components to energy innovations.
Forensic Science Center (FSC)
Contact: Audrey Williams
FSC researchers analyze interdicted samples, provide radiological assistance 24/7, and engage in the critical research and development needs of the intelligence community. FSC expertise includes analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, and forensic instrument design and fabrication.
Additional information is available in the FSC Fact Sheet and on the FSC website.
Glenn T. Seaborg Institute
Contact: Mavrik Zavarin
The LLNL branch of the Glenn T. Seaborg Institute conducts collaborative research between LLNL and the academic community in radiochemistry and nuclear forensics, contributing to the education and training of undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and faculty in transactinium science.
Additional information is available on the Seaborg Institute website.
High Energy Density Science (HEDS) Center
Contact: Frank Graziani
The HEDS Center fosters collaborations with university faculty and students that have the potential to enhance high-energy-density science research. The HEDS Center facilitates access to LLNL’s HEDS experimental facilities and high-performance computing resources in order to support research important to the Department of Energy.
Additional information is available on the HEDS Center website.
Study matter at extreme conditions—such as those found inside stars or the cores of giant planets—using world-class laser facilities.
Learn more about the HEDS Center internship.
High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF)
Contact: Lara Leininger
HEAF houses unique facilities for the synthesis, characterization, and testing of high explosives and other energetic materials. HEAF is also equipped with extensive, high-fidelity, high-speed diagnostic capabilities, including x-ray radiography, high-speed photography, laser velocimetry, and embedded particle velocity/pressure measurements.
Additional information is available on the HEAF webpage.
High-Performance Computing
Contact: lc-support [at] llnl.gov (LC support)
LLNL is home to a first-class computational infrastructure that supports the high-performance computing requirements of the Laboratory’s mission and research scientists. Livermore Computing provides the systems, tools, and expertise needed to enable discovery and innovation through simulations.
Additional information is available on the Livermore Computing Center website.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Innovation Center
Contact: HPC Innovation Center
LLNL’s HPC Innovation Center connects companies with computational science and computer science experts, on demand, to help them solve their toughest challenges. It also provides cost-effective access to some of the world’s largest HPC systems and rapidly assembles expert teams to develop, prove, and deploy high-impact solutions across a broad range of industries and applications.
Additional information is available on the HPC Innovation Center website.
Joint Genome Institute (JGI)
Contact: Crystal Jaing
The JGI is a high-throughput genome sequencing and analysis facility dedicated to the genomics of nonmedical microbes, microbial communities, plants, fungi, and other targets relevant to DOE mission areas in clean energy generation, climate change, and environmental sciences. Scientists from the Genomics group support key missions of JGI by performing DNA sequencing experiments and sequencing data analysis utilizing unique molecular biology skills and state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Additional information is available on the JGI website.
Jupiter Laser Facility (JLF)
Contact: Félicie Albert
JLF is a unique laser user facility for research in high-energy-density science. Its diverse laser platforms offer researchers a wide range of capabilities to produce and explore states of matter under extreme conditions of high density, pressure, and temperature.
Additional information is available on the JLF website.
Laboratory for Energy Applications for the Future (LEAF)
Contact: Brandon Wood
LEAF is a multidisciplinary center that develops disruptive technologies for the grid, transportation, and the environment from inception to demonstration.
Additional information is available on the LEAF website.
Connect with LLNL scientists working in quantum computing, quantum algorithms, and quantum sensing.
Learn more about the LCQS internship.
Mass Spectrometry
Contact: Rachel Lindvall
LLNL’s mass spectrometry instruments offer experimental and diagnostic techniques that make it possible to count atoms, study lunar rocks, isolate isotopes, and characterize unknown material. These sophisticated tools enable our nuclear chemists, cosmochemists, and radiochemists to tackle complex science challenges.
Additional information is available on the Mass Spectrometry webpage.
Gain hands-on experience in materials synthesis, materials characterization, materials processing, analytical chemistry, actinide materials science, optical materials science, electrochemistry, materials engineering, materials chemistry, and physics.
Learn more about the MaCI summer program.
Nanoscale Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory (NSCL)
Contact: Alex Hamza
NSCL is making advances in science at the intersection of physics, materials science, engineering, and chemistry. We are pursuing research in nanoporous materials, advanced nano crystalline materials, novel 3D nanofabrication technologies, and nondestructive characterization at the mesoscale.
Additional information is available on the NSCL webpage.