# Diamond shock experiment points to lower-power fusion-target path

_Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 8:30 PM EDT · Science, Infrastructure · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Diamond shock experiment points to lower-power fusion-target path — Primary](https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/2026/scientists-melted-a-di.jpg)

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory physicists used X-ray diffraction during shock-compression experiments on diamond at the University of Rochester's Omega Laser Facility.

The measurements brought the observed diamond melting point into agreement with quantum-physics-based models and found conditions in which solid diamond is less dense than liquid metallic carbon. The researchers say a slower initial shock could still melt a diamond capsule used in inertial-confinement fusion targets; their calculations indicate that could release three times as much fusion energy from the capsule's fuel.

## Sources

- [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-scientists-diamond-secret-ice-giants.html)

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