Babbage from The Economist (subscriber edition) The bomb (part 3): how to build a modern nuclear weapon
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Jul 30, 2025 
Kim Budil, Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Brad Wallin, Deputy Director, delve into modern nuclear weapons maintenance and design without explosive tests. They discuss the innovative National Ignition Facility, where sophisticated laser systems simulate nuclear fusion conditions. The conversation highlights how advanced simulations are replacing traditional tests, the evolution of compact warheads, and groundbreaking developments in materials science and 3D printing technologies, all crucial for a safer nuclear stockpile.
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National Ignition Facility's Power
- The National Ignition Facility uses 192 powerful lasers to simulate nuclear explosion conditions without actual detonations.
- This approach enables studying nuclear fusion vital for weapons and astrophysics under extreme tempers and pressures.
Livermore's Nuclear Mission
- Lawrence Livermore lab was founded to challenge Los Alamos and push nuclear weapons technology aggressively.
- The lab pioneered miniaturization making nuclear warheads small enough for submarines, enabling a continuous at-sea deterrent.
Aging Nuclear Stockpile Management
- US nuclear stockpile consists of warheads developed mainly in the 1970s-80s, now 40-50 years old.
- Regular detailed surveillance and component analysis help track aging and decide refurbishment or replacement needs.