29
Jun
2006
University of Texas petawatt laser to test fusion
When it fires, the laser will produce 1,000 times more power than the entire output of the world’s electrical grid, according to Dr. Todd Ditmire, the head of the project and professor of physics at the University. Ditmire and his colleagues will be able to test fusion power, the properties of matter at extreme temperatures and even the formation of new stars.
The laser operates on simple scientific principles. Scientists define power as energy divided by time. By reducing the amount of time the laser fires to a mere 100 femtosecond (or 10 to the -15th power of a second), Ditmire said his team can get the most power out of the laser.
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