LLNL Unveils Laser Breakthrough in Plasma Measurement

New technique could provide more accurate data for fusion energy and high-energy density science research

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new laser-based method to measure conditions in superheated plasma, which is critical for understanding phenomena like nuclear fusion and stellar processes. The new technique uses two crossing laser beams to generate a much stronger data signal compared to the traditional Thomson scattering method, potentially giving physicists a more accurate tool for complex high-energy density experiments.

Why it matters

Accurately measuring plasma conditions is essential for advancing research into fusion energy and other high-energy density science. The new laser technique could provide more precise data on factors like plasma temperature, density and flow, which are key to understanding how energy is transferred during processes like inertial confinement fusion experiments at facilities like the National Ignition Facility.

The details

The LLNL team demonstrated a new method that uses two crossing laser beams to generate a data signal about a billion times stronger than what is possible with the traditional Thomson scattering technique. This breakthrough could give physicists working on complex high-energy density experiments a more powerful tool to characterize the plasma conditions where lasers interact.

  • The research was recently published in the science journal Physical Review Letters.

The players

Andrew Longman

An LLNL experimental physicist and the lead author of the research paper.

Pierre Michel

An LLNL physicist who discussed the limitations of the traditional Thomson scattering method.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)

A U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that conducts research in areas like fusion energy and high-energy density science.

National Ignition Facility (NIF)

LLNL's high-energy laser system, which is the world's most energetic laser and the only lab where fusion ignition has been achieved.

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What they’re saying

“The proof of principle worked beautifully and now we're exploring how we can take this to the next level.”

— Andrew Longman, LLNL experimental physicist (Mirage News)

“Basically, the signal that you measure is really like enhanced noise from the plasma, but it's very tiny. A lot of background noise gets added to it.”

— Pierre Michel, LLNL physicist (Mirage News)

What’s next

The LLNL team is now exploring how to further develop and apply the new laser-based plasma measurement technique to advance high-energy density science and fusion energy research.

The takeaway

This breakthrough in plasma measurement could provide physicists with a more powerful and accurate tool to study the complex conditions involved in processes like nuclear fusion, helping to drive progress in this critical area of scientific research.