maglif
Summary
Sandia National Laboratories' MIF concept on the Z-Machine. Combines fuel magnetization, laser preheat, and z-pinch implosion of a fuel-filled liner. Current status (2024-2025): Up to 10^13 DD neutrons with pure deuterium fuel. Recent improvements: 18 MA current, 15 T applied field, ~2.3 kJ preheat, dielectric coatings for MRT stability. Record DD yields ~2x previous. Still below 2D simulation predictions by factor of 5+ (3D MRT instability). Generalized Lawson criterion improved by >10x. Managed by Honeywell for NNSA (contract DE-NA0003525) — dual-use weapons/energy role. Key researchers: Adam Harvey-Thompson, Matt Weis, M. Gomez, S. Slutz, D. Ampleford. Chris Grabowski (FRCHX lead physicist) moved to SNL in 2016 — personnel link between FRCHX and MagLIF. MagLIF represents the 'surviving' branch of US MTF research while FRCHX (FRC-based) was cancelled.
Deep Dive Analysis
Overview
Sandia National Laboratories' MIF concept on the Z-Machine. Combines fuel magnetization, laser preheat, and z-pinch implosion of a fuel-filled liner. Current status (2024-2025): Up to 10^13 DD neutrons with pure deuterium fuel. Recent improvements: 18 MA current, 15 T applied field, ~2.3 kJ preheat, dielectric coatings for MRT stability. Record DD yields ~2x previous. Still below 2D simulation predictions by factor of 5+ (3D MRT instability). Generalized Lawson criterion improved by >10x. Managed by Honeywell for NNSA (contract DE-NA0003525) — dual-use weapons/energy role. Key researchers: Adam Harvey-Thompson, Matt Weis, M. Gomez, S. Slutz, D. Ampleford. Chris Grabowski (FRCHX lead physicist) moved to SNL in 2016 — personnel link between FRCHX and MagLIF. MagLIF represents the 'surviving' branch of US MTF research while FRCHX (FRC-based) was cancelled.
Entity Type: Experiment — MagLIF is a scientific experiment or test program.
Technical Definition
An MIF concept at Sandia National Laboratories using the Z Machine to implode a cylindrical metal liner around pre-magnetized, laser-preheated deuterium fuel.
Related Concepts: MIF, MTF, SNL, Z Machine
Network Relationships
MagLIF connects to 4 entities in the intelligence network:
Experiments (1):
Organisations (2):
- → DOE: Funded by NNSA (weapons stewardship)
- ← NearStar Fusion: Builds on Sandia Z-Machine liner method
Programs (1):
- ← Prometheus MIF Facility: Complementary to Sandia MagLIF
Research Findings
MagLIF appears in 5 research analysis documents:
Charles Nakhleh Nuclear Physics Stewardship 2021:
Findings: Charles Nakhleh Nuclear Physics Stewardship 2021
Source PDF: Charles_Nakhleh_Nuclear_Physics_Stewardship_2021.pdf
Date range: 1992-2025
Source org: LANL
Summary
This professional dossier evaluates the career of Dr. Charles W. Nakhleh and his strategic leadership roles...
LANL AFRL MRT Instability MTF 2013:
Findings: LANL AFRL MRT Instability MTF 2013
Source PDF: LANL_AFRL_MRT_Instability_MTF_2013.pdf
Date range: 2012-2025
Source org: LANL
Summary
This 2013 technical analysis evaluates research by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) r...
LANL AFRL MTF Collaboration 2015:
Findings: LANL AFRL MTF Collaboration 2015
Source PDF: LANL_AFRL_MTF_Collaboration_2015.pdf
Date range: 1982-2021
Source org: LANL
Summary
This report analyzes the multi-year scientific collaboration between Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the Air Force Research Labor...
LANL PLX Fusion Succession 2016:
Findings: LANL PLX Fusion Succession 2016
Source PDF: LANL_PLX_Fusion_Succession_2016.pdf
Date range: 2001-2025
Source org: LANL
Summary
This report analyzes the strategic shift at Los Alamos National Laboratory from 2001 to 2016, focusing on the transition from solid-liner Fie...
Sandia LDRD Annual Report 2015:
Findings: Sandia LDRD Annual Report 2015
Source PDF: Sandia_LDRD_Annual_Report_2015.pdf
Date range: 1960-2025
Source org: LANL
Summary
This 2015 annual report from Sandia National Laboratories marks the 25th anniversary of the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD)...
Source Documents
Intelligence derived from 4 source documents:
Key Findings
- ▸ Entity Type: Experiment — MagLIF is a scientific experiment or test program.
- ▸ Related Concepts: MIF, MTF, SNL, Z Machine
- ▸ ← PLX: Alternative MTF approach (plasma jets vs z-pinch liner)
- ▸ → DOE: Funded by NNSA (weapons stewardship)
- ▸ ← NearStar Fusion: Builds on Sandia Z-Machine liner method
Related Entities (4)
doe
nearstar-fusion
plx
prometheus-facility
Network Graph
Explore maglif and its connections in the interactive network graph.
View in Network GraphTimeline Mentions (5)
Invention of MagLIF Concept
Dr. Stephen A. Slutz publishes his foundational paper in Physics of Plasmas, laying out the theoretical basis for Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion.
fusion-physicsHigh-Gain MIF Simulation
Dr. Stephen Slutz and Dr. Roger Vesey publish simulations showing a modified MagLIF concept could achieve high energy gains.
fusion-physicsHelical Structures Observed in MagLIF
Awe et al. observe significant helical structures during the implosion phase of magnetized liner inertial fusion experiments.
fusion-physicsFirst MagLIF Neutron Production
Dr. Matthew Gomez publishes the first experimental demonstration of significant thermonuclear neutron production in an integrated MagLIF experiment.
fusion-physicsHyperJet magnetized plasma jets for MTF
HyperJet Fusion's plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion approach.
fusion-researchGlossary Definition
An MIF concept at Sandia National Laboratories using the Z Machine to implode a cylindrical metal liner around pre-magnetized, laser-preheated deuterium fuel.
Category: Fusion Physics View in Glossary →Source Documents (4)
Research References
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