Mapping LANL-Sandia Fusion Collaboration
Executive Summary
System Metadata
Source ID
DOC-LANL_SAN
Process Date
2/3/2026
Integrity Hash
SHA256-s4t42ykbcvb...
Indexer Status
COMPLETE
INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS
Layman's Executive Summary
This document outlines the professional network of scientists from Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories who collaborated on advanced fusion energy research between 2010 and 2016. It focuses on how these experts used the 'Z-Machine' to conduct experiments necessary for maintaining the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile.
Document Origin
The document appears to be a technical intelligence or programmatic analysis report, possibly originating from a defense-focused repository (indicated by the 'SecretMilitaryTechnology.com' watermark) and likely commissioned by or for the NNSA/DOE.
Research Purpose
The research was conducted to map the institutional and personnel connections within the Magnetized Inertial Fusion (MIF) community and to evaluate how collaborative efforts support the U.S. Stockpile Stewardship Program.
Relevancy Analysis
" This report is vital for mapping the intersection of 'dual-use' fusion technology and the classified nuclear weapons enterprise. It confirms that unclassified programs like MagLIF and Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) are strategically managed to validate simulation codes for the Stockpile Stewardship Program, linking high-level personnel from DARPA-adjacent entities like General Atomics and national labs. "
Extracted Verifiable Claims
- › Dr. Charles W. Nakhleh led Sandia's ICF Target Design Department from approximately 2007 to 2013 before returning to LANL.
- › Dr. Stephen A. Slutz is credited as the inventor of the Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) concept.
- › The National Diagnostic Working Group (NDWG) is the primary formal body for coordinating NNSA HED facility diagnostics, rather than a group named 'ADEC'.
- › Dr. Daniel B. Sinars pioneered X-ray radiography techniques to measure Magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor (MRT) instabilities on the Z-Machine.
- › The DOE/NNSA pursued a 'driver-centric' approach at Sandia (MagLIF) and a 'target-centric' approach at LANL (FRC/MTF) as parallel risk-mitigation strategies.
Technical Contribution
This document identifies the specific leadership roles and strategic personnel transfers—notably Dr. Charles Nakhleh's movement between labs—that facilitated the integration of theoretical design and experimental validation for the MagLIF program.