User hub

Enabling researchers worldwide to access our capabilities through the LaserNetUS network.

Jupiter Laser Facility (JLF) users are allotted a generous four weeks to run an experimental campaign, which includes time for assembly, troubleshooting, and data collection. This gives users the opportunity to develop new ideas and platforms, work out technical challenges, and perfect their experiments before performing larger, more consequential experiments at other facilities like LLNL’s National Ignition Facility or the University of Rochester’s OMEGA Laser Facility.

JLF user statistics:

• Two-thirds of JLF users are external.
• Users come from four LLNL organizations, 63+ universities, and 24+ laboratories and non-academic institutions.
• With the research conducted on our laser platforms, we have been acknowledged in over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Over 200 PhDs have been granted that include thesis work performed at JLF, with many of these PhD recipients later joining LLNL as postdoctoral researchers and staying in the plasma physics community.

Submit a proposal

Every year, JLF welcomes international collaborators, academia, the private sector, and other national laboratories to come and conduct research through an annual call for proposals facilitated by LaserNetUS—a network of laser facilities at universities and laboratories that provide open access to laser experiments through a peer-review proposal process.

The purpose of the annual call for proposals is to provide opportunities for experimental science at the forefront of high-energy-density matter, laser–matter interactions, high-pressure materials, and plasma disciplines, as well as to provide access to high-capability laser platforms for the development of novel ideas.

A proposal is necessary for shot time allocated on JLF’s Titan, Janus, and COMET laser platforms. JLF accepts proposals for experiments from any institution.

When submitting a proposal, principal investigators should ensure that the goal of the experiment is clear in the proposal and that the laser time requested is realistic. Although not a requirement, it is desired that most experiments performed at JLF result in peer-reviewed publications.

All applications must be submitted through LaserNetUS’ Universal Proposal System during the annual call for proposals between October and December of any given year (exact dates may vary from year to year, so reference the LaserNetUS proposal webpage for important dates and key deadlines).

Prior to the preparing and submitting a proposal, applicants are encouraged to review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) available on this page.

Proposal FAQs

• How do I submit a proposal? All proposals must be submitted through LaserNetUS. On the LaserNetUS proposal webpage, you will find all the information you need regarding the proposal process, important dates, and application requirements.
• Who can submit a proposal? The JLF User Program is open to all qualified US and non-US principal investigators. Students are also encouraged to participate in experiments.
• How are proposals evaluated? All proposals are peer reviewed by the LaserNetUS proposal review panel (PRP) using a merit-based system assessing scientific quality, impact, and feasibility. To ensure a fair and transparent review, the PRP is independent from JLF, with the JLF team only evaluating project feasibility after the proposals have been ranked by the PRP.
• How much time is each experiment allotted? With some exceptions, beam time will be allotted in four-week experimental run periods. For Titan and Janus, an experimental run cycle is defined as four weeks, including setup and teardown, followed by a one-week maintenance break between experiments. Alternative shot time requests of less than or more than four weeks will be considered, however, the proposal should make the reasons for the request very clear.
• Do visiting researchers require oversight from LLNL/JLF scientists? Experimental teams are not required to have participation by LLNL scientists, although collaborating with researchers who have JLF experience has been enormously helpful in the past. Non-LLNL research teams who are new to JLF will, however, require operational oversight by experienced JLF team members.
• What kind of experimental assistance does JLF staff provide? JLF staff will arrange the target area, assist in locating and installing equipment, and make every attempt to provide the laser specifications requested. However, unlike larger user facilities, JLF does not have a “beam line scientist” to help set up, participate in, or facilitate experiments—making JLF experiments a very a hands-on experience.
• What is the cost or funding expectation associated with experiments? While users will not be charged for laser time, they are required to provide resources for their experimental workforce, such as targets and diagnostics (except for diagnostics that are permanent to JLF). JLF cannot provide funding to experimenters, but can, under some circumstances, help with targets. Support for targets and travel can be obtained through LaserNetUS.