The purpose of NIF is primarily to study the effects of age on our nuclear weapons stockpile by simulating the x-ray blast of the primary nuclear device on the

The purpose of NIF is primarily to study the effects of age on our nuclear weapons stockpile by simulating the x-ray blast of the primary nuclear device on the secondary fusion stage within an h-bomb in a controlled environment. Then we can tell how the hydrogen stage will be affected by age, and probably how we can optimize the contents and casing of that to be smaller and last longer. Any benefits to the future of power generation is a secondary goal.