The National Laser User Facilities Program is the principal means by which some academic researchers have been able to conduct cutting edge research in the field of high energy density physics and related scientific areas.  Check out some of the exciting research that has recently been performed.

• MIT News - New 'Snapshots' Aid Quest for Fusion Energy
• Achieving High-Density States Through Shock-Wave Loading of Precompressed Samples by Raymond Jeanloz (UC Berkeley), et al
• Hugoniot Data for Helium in the Ionization Regime by J. Eggert, et al (Raymond Jeanloz, UC Berkeley, co-author)
• Research Highlights from Patrick Hartigan, Rice University