Livermore's talented staff is its key asset. The Laboratory’s many scientists and engineers bring their knowledge, expertise, and experience to bear on the difficult challenges of its national security mission. They do so with an extreme curiosity, and a drive to uncover knowledge and better understand how things work. Here are some examples of Livermore’s gifted staff, and their work.
Developing technologies to detect radiological and nuclear weapons of mass destruction
Not all Livermore scientists remain at the Laboratory their whole careers. Some accept temporary assignments elsewhere, for example, when an opportunity arises to advance work they started at the Laboratory.
Assuring the continued safety, security, and effectiveness of America’s nuclear arsenal
One of the most formidable scientific challenges is assuring the continued safety, security, and effectiveness of America’s nuclear arsenal in the absence of underground nuclear testing.
Leverages the power of simulation
It’s estimated there are more possible moves in a game of chess than atoms in the universe, making accurate predictions of players’ moves impossible.
Leads an optics revolution
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the world’s largest and most energetic laser—and the biggest optical instrument.
Applies machine learning and artificial intelligence to security applications
Building a quantum computer
One of the most intriguing—and extraordinarily difficult—challenges in scientific research is building a practical quantum computer.
Simulates natural phenomena using high-performance computers
The simulation of natural phenomena using high-performance computers (HPC) is essential to Livermore’s work and touches on almost all of its science, from high-energy-density research for stockpile stewardship to basic science.
Studies how rocks fracture for energy security
Understanding the behavior of energy in the subsurface—how rocks fracture, how energy travels through the solid earth, and what its signature can tell scientists—is the key to several of Livermore’s security missions.
Advances high-energy-density science
Advances cybersecurity technologies
Revolutionizes rocket engine designs with supercomputer simulations
Protects our borders with next-generation radiation detectors
Develops 3D printing techniques for manufacturing human-like tissues
Monica Moya is developing three-dimensional printing techniques for manufacturing vascularized tissue (containing blood vessels) using bioink—a fluid with biological components. Researchers can use these tissues to study exposures to chemical and biological agents, and assess medical treatments.
Conducts nuclear fusion experiments
At the National Ignition Facility, Tammy Ma leads experiments aimed at achieving fusion ignition by using it’s 192 laser beams to compress fuel capsules containing isotopes of hydrogen in a process called inertial confinement fusion. These experiments are laying the groundwork to demonstrate fusion's feasibility as a clean source of energy.
Transforms U.S. manufacturing with 3D printing
Lawrence Livermore has been at the forefront of developing revolutionary new methods to make materials and parts faster, cheaper, lighter, and with entirely new properties.