Scientists E. Lawrence (LLNL) from the Livermore National Laboratory report that the National Ignition Facility (NIF) has recaptured a fusion reaction that produces more energy than it takes to start it. Moreover, the energy bar emitted simultaneously reached 3.5 MJ, significantly exceeding the previous record at the same laser power. This proves that science is on the right track towards unlimited and clean energy.

It is interesting to note that the NIF setup, consisting of 192 powerful lasers concentrated at one point, was created to simulate thermonuclear explosions. The scientists were engaged in simulating thermonuclear fusion as a temporary part-time job at the facility. For many years, such a path was considered uncompromising, and the same ITER project, as we know, is based on time-tested “bagels” of tokamaks. But in the summer of 2021, a breakthrough appeared for the first time at the NIF. The scientists were able to approach the limit at which a thermonuclear reaction ignited by lasers can sustain itself. More precisely, the output energy exceeded the energy taken to ignite the hydrogen fuel.

The first proof of the laser-fired positive fusion concept was obtained in December 2022. With a total laser power of just over 2 MJ, hydrogen fuel emits 3.15 MJ. Turns out the laser thermopoison works! However, several times more energy was spent on laser processing and process support, and the 1.13 MJ excess detected in the background is roughly comparable to the measurement error.

The success inspired the scientists and the setup and experimental conditions were improved. A fresh start of the fusion reaction at or near the same energy level of lasers resulted in the release of fusion energy of 3.5 MJ. In a relative comparison, the increase can be considered huge, convincing scientists even more strongly that laser thermopoison has hope and should be pursued.

Scientists will report on new success at special conferences and, after careful preparation, prepare articles for scientific journals that will be published in a few months.