Mapping Plasma Physics Collaboration Network
Executive Summary
System Metadata
Source ID
DOC-LANL_SAN
Process Date
2/3/2026
Integrity Hash
SHA256-xvsz07u64el...
Indexer Status
COMPLETE
INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS
Layman's Executive Summary
This report details the collaborative research between Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories on fusion technology from 2010 to 2016. It reveals that this scientific work was primarily used to maintain and certify the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile rather than to develop commercial energy.
Document Origin
The document is an intelligence assessment titled 'The LANL-Sandia Axis,' appearing to originate from an organization associated with the 'SecretMilitaryTechnology.com' domain.
Research Purpose
The research was conducted to map the professional networks and institutional objectives of the U.S. Magneto-Inertial Fusion community, specifically to understand how experimental data from facilities like the Z-Machine are used to validate nuclear weapons simulation codes.
Relevancy Analysis
" This document is highly relevant as it bridges the gap between civilian fusion research (FRC/MIF) and the 'black world' of nuclear stockpile stewardship. It identifies P. Zhang and K.J. Peterson—entities already in the Knowledge Graph—within the specific context of NNSA-funded weapon certification programs, providing the 'dual-use' justification for high-energy density physics research. "
Extracted Verifiable Claims
- › The National Diagnostics Working Group (NDWG) was established in 2013 to govern advanced diagnostic development for HEDP facilities.
- › Dr. Charles W. Nakhleh transitioned from LANL to lead Sandia’s ICF Target Design Department (c. 2007-2013) before returning to lead LANL’s X-Theoretical Design Division in 2013.
- › A 2006 Memorandum of Understanding formalized a series of plutonium experiments to be conducted by LANL on Sandia’s Z-Machine through 2016.
- › The research conducted on the Z-Machine directly supports the annual assessment of the B61, W76, W78, and W88 nuclear warheads.
- › The MagLIF program contributors include Dr. Kyle J. Peterson, Dr. Ryan D. McBride, and Dr. Adam B. Sefkow.
Technical Contribution
This document provides a strategic mapping of personnel transfers between labs, specifically identifying the career path of Dr. Charles W. Nakhleh as a deliberate move to integrate expertise across the nation's premier nuclear design and pulsed-power laboratories.