LANL LDRD Reconnection Experiment Search (1)
Executive Summary
System Metadata
Source ID
DOC-LANL_MAG
Process Date
2/3/2026
Integrity Hash
SHA256-df0rl4ikla8...
Indexer Status
COMPLETE
INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS
Layman's Executive Summary
This report analyzes a 2014 Los Alamos National Laboratory project that linked experimental plasma physics with theoretical research on magnetic energy release. It concludes that the project successfully demonstrated a method for controlling rapid energy bursts in compact plasma devices, likely transitioning into a classified national security program.
Document Origin
The document is an external intelligence assessment, likely produced by an investigative group (as indicated by the 'SecretMilitaryTechnology.com' watermarks), analyzing Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) internal LDRD projects.
Research Purpose
The document seeks to reconstruct the outcomes of a 'firewalled' LDRD project that intended to solve the FRC plasma lifetime problem by applying 3D turbulent reconnection theory to Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) hardware.
Relevancy Analysis
" This document provides a critical link in the OSINT database between civilian-facing fusion research (FRC) and sensitive military applications. By connecting Dr. Glen Wurden and Dr. Hui Li to the MSX/RSX hardware complex, the analyst establishes a clear technology maturation pipeline for compact, high-beta energy systems. The mention of 'violent, microsecond-scale compression events' suggests applications in nuclear triggers, advanced propulsion, or high-power energy directed systems. "
Extracted Verifiable Claims
- › The 2014 LANL LDRD project '3D Turbulent Magnetic Reconnection Experiments on a Laboratory FRC Plasma' was co-led by Dr. Glen A. Wurden and Dr. Hui Li.
- › The FRCHX (Field-Reversed Configuration Heating Experiment) was operated at the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Shiva Star facility between 2007 and 2013.
- › The Magnetized Shock Experiment (MSX) research led by Dr. Toru E. Weber achieved a ~350% increase in trapped magnetic flux.
- › The FRX-L (Field Reversed Experiment-Liner) foundational plasma injector (active 2001-2003) demonstrated FRC densities of 2-4 x 10^16 cm^-3.
- › The 2014 LDRD project utilized the MSX/RSX experimental complex as its likely hardware platform.
Technical Contribution
It identifies the specific institutional 'bridge' between LANL's P-24 (Experimental) and T-2 (Theoretical) divisions, revealing that astrophysical reconnection research was a cover or 'supply' for the 'demand' of high-energy-density weapon or propulsion development.