Laser Probe for Critical Subcriticals (IMAGE) DOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory Caption This specialized laser instrument allows Los Alamos scientists to perform sophisticated nuclear experiments and gather significant amounts of data without a critical mass of plutonium. The data is used to help validate the extremely complex computer codes that reside on the laboratory's world class supercomputers. These codes along with thousands of experiments conducted across the laboratory allow Laboratory staff and ultimately the Director to assess the state and health of the Nation's nuclear deterrent and report those findings ultimately to the President of the United States. Credit Los Alamos National Laboratory Usage Restrictions May be used with acknowledgement. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.