Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists Widi Moestopo, Patrick Poole and Brandon Zimmerman will be joined by Granada High School teacher Tom Shefler to present "Materials at the Extremes: Limits, Lasers and Load." The event is the fourth lecture in the 2024 series of Science on Saturday lectures showcasing "Magic of Materials" at the Laboratory.
The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the world's most energetic laser, and it recently achieved burning plasma ignition for the first time - more energy out than the laser energy put in. While this is an exciting scientific achievement on its own, many years in the making, there is much more to do now: how can we adapt this achievement into limitless fusion energy, and how can we use this fantastic platform to delve deeper into broader plasma and materials science?
A key piece of the puzzle lies in materials research. Operating a power plant with a burning plasma (like the sun) will require shot rates more than one per second. One of the biggest hurdles toward achieving this feat using inertial confinement is the ability to manufacture large quantities of nearly perfect, millimeter-sized fusion targets. The team will discuss how state-of-the-art, laser-based additive manufacturing techniques help make next-generation fusion targets and present the opportunities arising from these techniques.
But the utility of materials research is not limited to fusion energy: advances in additive manufacturing of metals make it possible to 3D-print millimeter-scale lattice materials that are stronger than steel but as light as plastic. These materials are impossible to make with traditional methods, and they have unique mechanical properties that might allow them to survive extreme environments. The Lab uses modeling on supercomputers and experimental laser shock testing at the NIF to study these lattices and design them to survive powerful shock waves, such as those experienced by satellites flying through space dust. By combining manufacturing, modeling and unique experimental testing conditions, new materials are developed that can be used to help important devices survive dangerous environments. Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m.
Where: The Mertes Theater, Bldg. 4000, Las Positas College
