High Energy Density science is the study of matter and energy under extreme conditions, such as condensed matter at densities found in the core of giant planets or hot plasmas typical of stellar interiors.
This work integrates multiple disciplines, including atomic, nuclear, and condensed-matter physics. It also involves efforts to generate HED conditions in the laboratory, creating a microphysics observatory to study the HED domain, and enabling scientists to manipulate matter and energy toward achieving controlled fusion. In addition, they leverage LLNL’s powerful predictive modeling and simulation capabilities to explore the complex behavior of HED matter, and they develop and enhance diagnostic tools that support HED science research.
Research Areas at LLNL
- Astrophysics
- Fusion Science
- Hydrodynamics
- Laser–Plasma Interaction
- Materials at Extreme Conditions
- Nuclear and Atomic Physics in Plasma Environments
Research Highlights
To learn more about the scope of HED science research conducted at LLNL, we invite you to view our list of recent publications by staff who work at LLNL’s Jupiter Laser Facility, as well as publications by our staff who work in Discovery Science at LLNL’s National Ignition Facility.
In addition, you can browse a sampling of highlighted news regarding HED science research at LLNL:
- "Extremely Bright, Incredibly Fast," Science & Technology Review (2021)
- "Fusion Supports the Stockpile," Science & Technology Review (2021)
- "Gently Compressing Materials to Record Levels," Science & Technology Review (2019)
- "The Pressure's On: Diamond Anvil Cells Reimagined," Science & Technology Review (2019)
- "Summer scholars learn value of team science," Newsline (2018)
- “NIF achieves record double fusion yield,” Newsline (2018)
- “Experiments shed new light on supernovae,” Newsline (2018)
- “Record experiments probe exoplanetary cores,” Newsline (2018)
- “Ramp compression of iron provides insight into core conditions of large rocky exoplanets,” Newsline (2018)
- “First experimental evidence for superionic ice,” Newsline (2018)
- “Plasma optic combines lasers into superbeam,” Newsline (2017)
- “Fast heat flows in warm dense aluminum,” Newsline (2017)
- “A new way to examine space, bugs and bones,” Newsline (2017)
- “Recreating conditions inside stars in the laboratory with compact lasers,” Newsline (2017)
- “Laser experiments illuminate the cosmos,” Science & Technology Review (2016)
- “Taming the wild frontiers of plasma science,” Science & Technology Review (2016)
- “Lasers shed light on the universe’s most luminous events,” Science & Technology Review (2016)
- “These space rocks could save the planet,” Newsline (2016)
- “NIF experiments shed light on turbulent mix,” Newsline (2016)
- “Thinner capsules yield faster implosions,” Newsline (2015)
- “Peering into giant planets from in and out of this world,” Newsline (2014)
- “Record simulations conducted on LLNL supercomputer,” Newsline (2013)
