The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is a research facility located in Livermore, California. It is primarily focused on achieving nuclear fusion, a process that powers the sun and other stars. NIF uses powerful lasers to compress and heat small pellets of hydrogen isotopes, aiming to create conditions similar to those found in stars. NIF plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of fusion energy and its potential as a clean energy source. The facility also supports national security by providing data for the maintenance of the U.S. nuclear arsenal without the need for underground testing.