We develop state-of-the-art optics and novel materials than can meet the needs of advanced laser systems, and we model, design and test next-generation laser technology.

I’m writing this while on a stopover in Qatar en route to an OFFBEAT photography workshop in Kenya. From there, I’m travelling to Madagascar to do some reconnaissance for the first-ever Immersion Series: Madagascar in 2025 (open for registration). I can’t wait to report back next month with some images from this trip!

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“Lawrence Livermore is an environment conducive to learning and allows staff to develop professionally while navigating their career path,” says Vanessa. “The Lab has some of the brightest people on the planet working here, access to unique and specialized instrumentation and equipment not found elsewhere and is globally recognized.”

Tom received his B.S. degrees in electrical engineering and astronomy, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Laseroptics course

Stacking filters. It’s definitely possible. I’m personally a big fan of stacking the 10-stop with a polarizer. Just make sure your filters are cleaned regularly and that you buy the thinnest versions of the filters that you can to avoid vignetting on wide-angle lenses.

Don't assume without trying. Often I don’t know if my image will be better with or without the filters by just looking at the scene. I just need to try it on. When shooting landscapes, I’ll usually get the filter-free version of the shot (faster exposure), and then try something like 5 seconds, and then 30 seconds or so. It’s sometimes surprising which version I end up liking the best. Often, before I get my filters out, I will use the Long Exposure setting on my iPhone just to gauge whether the long-exposure version of my scene has any potential.

Optical LaserLight

Take several images. Because you’re shooting moving elements, each new frame has the potential to look wildly different from the last one, even if your settings are unchanged. Don't assume that the best cloud/water pattern you can get will be the first one you happen to shoot. Make a point of capturing 5-10 frames so that you can choose the best one later.

"I cannot say enough about the day, the people I got to meet, the things we saw, the creativity flowing... I learned so much yesterday, and I can't wait to sign up for the next one!" -L.

Our work is carried out at NIF, the world's largest and most energetic laser, at additional Livermore facilities and in partnership with world-class facilities offering unique capabilities.

World-class science takes teamwork. Explore the organizations that contribute to our lasers and optical science and technology research by clicking the images below.

Imagine doubling a fiber-optic network’s capacity and reducing its upgrade cost by 90 percent — with almost no disruption to existing infrastructure. That’s exactly what Leily Kiani’s E-band fiber optic amplifier project is working to achieve. Leily is a member of the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Fiber Technologies Group, which is developing upgrades to decades-old fiber-optic amplifier technology at the foundation of global telecommunications networks. She is also working on Tm:YLF laser development, the High-Repetition-Rate Advanced Petawatt Laser System and a study on laser technology development for Inertial Fusion Energy.

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Raj has a Ph.D. and M.S. in engineering and applied science from the University of California, Davis, and B.A. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley.

This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography and fitness levels. Photography locations are roadside, with some walking on uneven surfaces.

Clean up a scene. For instance, if you’re in a busy travel destination you can “eliminate” tourists by using a long exposure. Given that everyone's in a rush to visit and is unlikely to stay in the same spot for 30 seconds or more, a long exposure will blur out those pesky humans.

Colour cast. Most ND filters, especially the cheaper ones, will have a colour cast, typically on the magenta side. Not to worry: if you shoot RAW, you can quickly fix that with the colour balance slider in post. With time you’ll learn what is the exact value you need to choose for perfect compensation. I find my NiSi ones don't lead to many colour casts.

Stabilize. Since you’re dealing with long exposures and set up on a tripod, remember to turn all stabilization off and your timer on (or use a release). Also, do everything you can to stabilize your tripod, especially if you're shooting at longer focal lengths.

We support diverse research activities with talented staff, state-of-the-art facilities and core competencies. From internal collaboration to external partnerships, we work together to advance scientific discovery.

The Space Science Institute’s (SSI) multidisciplinary teams address key questions in astrophysics and planetary science by analyzing, modeling and interpreting data obtained by existing observatories. We also analyze extraterrestrial materials on-site and develop technology and instrumentation for future observatories.

We support diverse research activities with talented staff, state-of-the-art facilities and core competencies. From internal collaboration to external partnerships, we work together to advance scientific discovery.

Q: I find neutral density filters to be both overwhelming and confusing. I often opt not to use them even though they are in my camera bag. Any tips!?

In 2022, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory made history by demonstrating fusion ignition for the first time in a laboratory setting. Read about the people, facilities, capabilities and decades of tenacity that made this achievement possible.

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the world’s largest and highest-energy laser system. Our unique energy and power enable cutting-edge research to help keep the U.S. stockpile safe and secure, explore new frontiers of science and lay the groundwork for a clean, sustainable source of energy.

The Jupiter Laser Facility (JLF) delivers leading-edge science and supports the high energy density science research community with access to high-energy and high-power laser platforms.

LaserOptics pdf

John Heebner leads the Ultrafast Optical and Electronics Systems Group, which pioneers devices and systems that bridge the gap between ultrafast optics and high bandwidth electronics. His research interests include high energy lasers, ultrafast sources and diagnostics, nonlinear optics, integrated and fiber optics, RF-photonics, beam and pulse shaping technologies and novel devices by which light fields manipulate other light fields.

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In 2022, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory made history by demonstrating fusion ignition for the first time in a laboratory setting. Read about the people, facilities, capabilities and decades of tenacity that made this achievement possible.

We offer opportunities in a variety of fields, not just science and technology. We are home to a diverse staff of professionals that includes administrators, researchers, creatives, supply chain staff, health services workers and more. Visit our careers page to learn more about the different career paths we offer and find the one that speaks to you. Make your mark on the world!

Michael serves as the program manager for target fabrication at the National Ignition Facility. “The technical challenges and excellence of LLNL keep me here,” he says. “Few places in the world rally people around an interesting challenge so easily. I am excited about coming to work every day because I will learn something new or help solve a problem that will make the world just a little bit better.”

Raj embraces the challenge of pursuing never-before achieved scientific milestones, especially alongside talented and motivated colleagues. He says, “Within walking distance at Lawrence Livermore, you have access to unique resources with scientific-grade instrumentation and the knowledge of world experts in a variety of disciplines!”

When Raj Raman saw the opportunity to contribute to optics materials research at a world-class facility like the National Ignition Facility (NIF), he seized it. “Rare is the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research toward moon-shot science that also supports the national interest,” he says.

John is the lead scientist for the Injection Laser System of the National Ignition Facility (NIF), where he qualified the Pre-Amplifier Modules and architected the high-contrast front end of the ARC Petawatt laser. He led the development of two critical laser control systems that shape NIF’s pulsed beams in space and time: the system of optically addressable, Programmable Spatial Shapers that tailor laser beam profiles to optimize the extraction of energy from the main amplifiers; and, the High-Fidelity Pulse Shaping system that precision tailors laser pulses in time.

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The intricate, delicate targets like the ones used in NIF experiments that have achieved ignition are marvels of design, engineering and precise manufacturing. We develop, build and evaluate new materials that can meet the needs of advanced laser systems, such as smooth, nearly defect-free targets, ultra-thin polymer films that support target capsules and polymer coatings able to withstand extreme environments. Our teams also study the growth of crystals in deuterium and tritium isotopes.

Laseroptics Physics

Leily’s innovative efforts have been noticed by the community and Laboratory stakeholders. Along with being named to Diablo Magazine’s 2018 “40 Under 40” list, she was awarded a $150,000 grant sponsored by the Department of Energy’s Technology Commercialization Fund and $150,000 in matching funds from the Laboratory’s Innovation Development Fund.

"I spent a most epic day with an amazing crew of humans at The Creative Flow workshop in Banff. I immersed myself and learned so much about in the field workflow... having mentors to ask questions and gain a better understanding was incredibly helpful. Just awesome." -M.

Focus on the story. Just because you own the filters it doesn’t mean you need to use them for everything. I made this mistake when I started to use them. So often, blurring out the clouds or water simply won’t make for a more compelling image. As photographers, we sometimes think that adding cool gear will make up for a poor composition or improve light that isn’t cooperating. If the filters don’t help you tell your story better, don’t use them. Experiment and develop a spirit of self-critique!

Tom Spinka is program element leader for Laser Development in the Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) group. He leads the APT group’s laser R&D activities, identifies and fosters new applications where lasers can support National Nuclear Security Administration and Department of Energy (DOE) missions and recruits new talent. Tom also provides technical support and insight to the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations Division and NIF and Photon Science senior management teams.

From sunrise to starry skies, this one-day Banff-based workshop allows you to tap into your creative flow while gaining insight into how I go about a day in the field, from location selection to composition, camera settings and adjusting according to conditions.

Our research teams include scientists, engineers and technicians who are supported by analysts, designers, transport and handling workers and health and safety experts. Meet a few of the people who work in lasers and optical science and technology:

A: After over a decade of teaching, I've found this problem to be true of many photographers. They buy neutral-density filters only to let them gather dust at home or in an obscure corner of their camera bag. It’s such a shame because "NDs" can unlock so many great possibilities.

John has been awarded four R&D 100 awards, four Director’s Science and Technology awards, 15 patents and he has authored 50+ technical articles. In 2022, he was recognized as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at LLNL.

Michael Stadermann loves a challenge, and he finds plenty of challenges at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He joined the Laboratory as a postdoctoral fellow in 2004 to work on a nanotube-based gas analyzer. Since then, his research has largely focused on materials and methods for target fabrication, although he’s also been heavily involved with electrochemistry and energy storage, building an internationally renowned capacitive desalination group.

The Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) program investigates and develops cutting-edge photon technologies enabling both scientific advancement and new commercial applications. We design, model, test and commission next-generation laser technology. Key elements in the program are the research and development of advanced solid-state laser technology, ultrafast solid-state lasers, high-peak-power lasers, high-average-power lasers and high-energy, high-intensity short-pulse lasers.

I’m a huge fan of near-opaque ND filters for long exposures of landscapes in the daytime. My 10-stop goes everywhere I go. The effect it creates is near-impossible to replicate in post-processing and can take an image to the next level when used judiciously. Typically, I'll consider using an ND whenever I'm shooting fast-moving water or dynamic skies.

Coming up next month is a new series I’m calling REFRAME in which I’ll provide an edit of two of our community’s RAW images and explain my choices along the way. The intent is to encourage us all to break out of our habits and routines with post-processing and consider other possibilities.

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Leily joined Lawrence Livermore as a postdoctoral researcher in 2016 and transitioned to staff scientist in 2019. Explaining why she enjoys her work, Leily says, “The Lab is very connected to both academia and industry and offers a diverse portfolio of research and projects.”

Get playful. Long exposures are not just for clouds and water. You can get some really neat effects by blurring trees, grasses, icebergs and reeds.

His expertise is in short-pulse lasers and laser physics, high-average-power diode-pumped solid-state laser systems and ultrafast and nonlinear optics and spectroscopy, with broad interests in laser modeling, laser materials science, adaptive optics, laser-matter interactions, astronomy, machine learning-based classification, categorization, and optimization and applied statistics and data analysis.

Focusing issues. Depending on your camera, you may be unable to focus (whether auto or manual) once you’ve added a 10-stop filter because it’s so thick and won’t let much light through. You’ll simply have to make sure you nail your focus (and get it off auto and into manual) before you add the filter. Nowadays, though, most LCDs will compensate as soon as you throw the filter on, and you'll be able to work the way you usually do.

Vanessa’s technical work is only part of the story. “The mission of LLNL management to continue making the Laboratory an inclusive environment also resonates with me,” she says. She mentors African American students at Livermore High School, and she shares the Lab’s culture and encourages students from historically Black colleges and universities to seek out opportunities at Livermore during events such as LLNL Day. Vanessa has received a Director’s Award for helping to sustain the consortium relationship with her alma mater and two other universities, where she’s come full circle, inspiring the next generation of Laboratory researchers.

First of all, I have two things to say: wow and thank you! Something happened this past month and all of a sudden there are a whole lot more of you on Fuelled by Creativity. A warm welcome to those who are new to this photographer’s newsletter!

Fixed/solid versus variable. I suggest staying away from buying the variable ones. Those are ND filters that allow you to choose the amount of light you want to block out. I’ve tried a few and have yet to find one that doesn’t “act up” and create serious vignetting/haloing. If anybody has one they like, please let me know! I currently have fixed 3-, 6- and 10-stop NiSi filters. All three come with me if I'm shooting roadside, and the 10-stop is the only one I'll bring if I'm going into the backcountry.

Tom joined LLNL as an opto-electronic engineer in 2010. He worked on the front end of the Advanced Radiographic Capability laser funtil late 2013, when he transitioned to the High-repetition-rate Advanced Petawatt Laser System.On this project, he was the lead scientist and commissioning manager for the short-pulse laser system. Tom contributed to and led several R&D efforts from 2017 through 2023 and has been leading LLNL’s contributions to the DOE Office of Fusion Energy Sciences MEC-U Project to field a rep-rated high energy short pulse laser at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s Linac Coherent Light Source since 2019.

Vanessa Peters first heard of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory while pursuing graduate studies. After earning her Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, she joined the Laboratory as a postdoc and then moved into a full-time position as a staff scientist in the Laser Materials Interaction group, studying the effect of high-power lasers on a range of materials.

Raj applies his expertise conducting experiments designed to extend the lifetime and capability of optics used on energic lasers. What’s more, his work with the Optics and Materials Science and Technology group uncovered the timeline of events leading to damage of optical components in high-energy laser systems. Using this information, Raj and his team help keep NIF running with healthy optics that maintain the quality of user experiments.

A neutral density (ND) filter is a tool used in photography to reduce the amount of light entering the lens, thus allowing you to control exposure in bright conditions while maintaining the aperture and shutter speed settings.

We develop, test and refine advanced optics that can tolerate the extreme conditions in our high energy density science experiments. Our optical scientists are experts in the physics of laser-matter interaction and chemical processes that mitigate laser damage. We tailor optics to offer the refractive properties needed to avoid damage. For example, a fused silica debris shield was a critical factor in NIF’s ability to deliver more than 2 megajoules of laser energy in ignition experiments.

Michael has a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Vordiplom in chemistry from the University of Düsseldorf.