A Californian laboratory has introduced a new laser, the world's largest, which is capable of delivering up to 60 times more energy than previous lasers.
Img: NIF Target Chamber. Credit: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
In the presence of Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Energy Secretary Stephen Chu and other dignitaries, the new super fast laser, known as the National Ignition Facility (NIF), was unveiled at California's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
The NIF's 192 giant lasers, which are housed in a site approximately the size of three football fields, are expected to be in full operation by 2010. Scientists say the facility will have a wide range of uses, including checking ageing nuclear weapons for reliability as well as ushering in a new age of experimentation in astrophysics.
When working, the NIF's lasers will be capable of recreating conditions inside early stars. Other benefits connected to the NIF include experiments in green energy projects.
Project director Ed Moses told the San Francisco Chronicle that the bringing together of workers to get the NIF to the edge of ignition was a major achievement.
"It's the cathedral story," said Moses. "We put together the best physicists, the best engineers, the best of industry and academia. It's not often you get that opportunity and pull it off."
Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter.
Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group.
Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter
Advertising
Comment on this Story