National Ignition Facility

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Big Step Toward Fusion: Lab's Laser Creates Mini-Star

In first, scientists get more energy out than put in

(Newser) - After years of frustration, scientists have finally made a breakthrough in the quest to harness the same fusion energy that powers the sun. Researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory say that by pointing the world's most powerful laser at a peppercorn-sized target, they unleashed a huge amount of...

Scientists Building 'Star' on Earth

Project could solve planet's energy problems

(Newser) - A series of key experiments over the past few weeks have brought scientists closer to the holy grail of energy production—a working fusion reactor, or, in layman’s terms “a miniature star on Earth.” The National Ignition Facility in Livermore, Calif., thinks it can deliver on that...

Scientists Creating Star to Solve Energy Woes

Giant laser will zap mini-sun into existence

(Newser) - Scientists are planning to use the world's largest laser to zap a tiny star into existence on Earth. The project at California's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory aims to create nuclear fusion by firing the giant laser at hydrogen isotopes. This would, theoretically, cause a miniature sun capable of filling all...

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