The panel defines high energy density as matter under pressure exceeding 1 megabar and notes "Recent advances in extending the energy, power, and brightness of lasers, particle beams and Z-pinch generators make it possible to create matter with extremely high energy density in the laboratory." They state that it is "a field rich in new physics phenomena and compelling applications, propelled by advances in high-performance computing and advanced measuring techniques."

The panel report lists several "key questions of high intellectual value and makes a number of recommendations. The report of the panel is posted at http://www.national-academies.org/bpa