NIF achieves record 8.6 MJ fusion yield with 4.13x target energy gain

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory/National Ignition Facility

The National Ignition Facility achieved a fusion energy output of 8.6 megajoules from 2.08 megajoules of laser energy delivered to the target, a new record. This 4.13x energy gain at the target represents significant progress over the previous record of 5.2 MJ set in February 2024 and demonstrates repeatable fusion ignition with improved outcomes from higher target quality and refined laser delivery.