A physics-based understanding of the behavior of materials under conditions of high-pressure, high-temperature, and high strain rate is at the heart of all DOE/NNSA-national laboratory programs. Consequently, LLNL is a world-leading institute for high-pressure materials research with an integrated program of static high-pressure, shock-wave research, high power lasers, condensed matter theories, and computational capabilities. The High Pressure Physics Group leads the experimental static high-pressure program at the Laboratory in support of DOE, DoD and LLNL programs including NNSA Campaign-2, Physics Data Research Program (PDRD), Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD), DOE - Basic Energy Science, and DoD - Office of Munitions.

The research of the High Pressure Physics Group focuses on scientific challenges in condensed matter under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature, synthesis and characterization of novel materials, and utilizes state-of-the-art experimental facilities and technologies such as third-generation synchrotron sources and laser spectroscopic technologies. Materials of particular interest to the group include f-electron rare-earths and actinides, d-band transition metals and transition metal compounds, low-Z elemental solids, and novel materials such as superhard and high energy density materials of scientific and programmatic importance.

The group is relatively young and consists of highly talented and motivated scientists at all levels: research staffs, post-doctoral fellows, pre-doctoral students, and technical and administrative personnel. Much of the research conducted is carried out in a collaborative manner among those scientists and their colleagues.