Creating a miniature star on Earth: that's the goal of the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the world's largest laser. When completed in 2009, NIF will focus the intense energy of 192 giant laser beams on a BB-sized target filled with hydrogen fuel – fusing, or igniting, the hydrogen atoms' nuclei. This is the same fusion energy process that makes the stars shine and provides the life-giving energy of the sun. NIF is a program of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. More about NIF . . .
The world's largest laser is 99% complete
Schwarzenegger Touts NIF Energy Innovations
"Wired Science" visits NIF
Super Laser
NIF Featured on KQED-TV's QUEST Science Program