One megajoule laser brings nuclear fusion power closer to reality

When you think of the laser these days, you're most likely imagining a giant beam that can scorch a few buildings within seconds. Putting your evil thoughts aside, why not think smaller yet more powerful, and something that may change the future of mankind for good? We're talking about the National Ignition Facility that has recently produced the world's first megajoule laser, which only lasted for a few nanoseconds but is still a milestone for nuclear fusion development (read: clean energy on a massive scale). In a nutshell, this laser should be able to produce sufficient X-rays in order to fuse hydrogen nuclei, and it also has financial and efficiency advantage over other systems by having an exposed reactor core instead of one shielded by a huge magnet. That said, until the NIF tries the laser on fuel capsules this summer, we can only be hopeful.

[Original photo from 2funnycats]

[7egend Posted Jan 28th 2010 2:46PM]

@D4N14L

I got the reference just fine, but the word is Gigawatts.

[D4N14L Posted Jan 28th 2010 4:40PM]

@7egend oh. Well then, different strokes for different folks.

[tadghostal Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:28PM]

Hay! Did anyone know that Apple has a new device out called the iPad?!?

[Why should I have all the fun Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:53PM]

@tadghostal

If it's not powered by fusion, not interested.

[DTJ Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:28PM]

We have a National Ignition Facility!? Sweeeet!

[Wwhat Posted Jan 28th 2010 3:16PM]

@DTJ
Lol, yeah that should look nice on a businesscard, and to impress the ladies.

[iareronald Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:34PM]

i hear the Apple iPad is powered by nuclear fusion & cats. ^_^

[espentan Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:35PM]

That cat gave me the LOLs! :)

[Heliosphan Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:39PM]

LOL!
frytund kitteh.

[Stereobot Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:49PM]

LOL! MEOW!

I like cats.

So did they fuse 2 cats together? I didn't RTFA. Don't wanna. I'd rather look at more cats.

[7egend Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:50PM]

Looks like Jeremy Clarkson driving the Ariel Atom.

[Heliosphan Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:53PM]

Oh dear, seems fusion kitteh is becoming more common -

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/funny-pictures-cat-is-burned-by-light.jpg

[truelove79 Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:56PM]

Mr. Fusion!!!!!

[adewolf Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:58PM]

Pew, Pew
Looks like it's Snake Cat...

[RayVoid Posted Jan 28th 2010 12:59PM]

This picture is effin hilarious, unfortionatly I was swallowing a bite of my lunch and nearly choked to death when I started lauging, so you nearly got your first Engadget related death.

[Oli D Posted Jan 28th 2010 1:00PM]

Dora is always the first victim in these laser attacks.

[RayVoid Posted Jan 28th 2010 1:00PM]

Lauging eh... Damnit, gotta read before posting.

[Oli D Posted Jan 28th 2010 1:01PM]

Dora = Collateral

[Xyned Posted Jan 28th 2010 1:16PM]

Could someone talk about the possible risks involved. Personally I'm even worried about the 'megajoule' laser. Gives me visions of the earth bring sliced by giant laser beams!

[Xyned Posted Jan 28th 2010 1:17PM]

Bring= being

[M3 Posted Jan 28th 2010 1:19PM]

@Xyned
The laser is on for very small time scales, nano seconds. Even then it's nowhere near enough power to slice the earth in half. Maybe a hole 1 mile into the ground? That's probably a little far fetched as it is. The main risks are to the workers, who all understand this.

[that robin goodfellow Posted Jan 28th 2010 4:56PM]

@M3

I envision pulse cannons...
Anyway, I’m glad this ball has started rolling so well. If we are going to use nuclear power anyway, let’s make it truly efficient. I would prefer to risk a possible Death ray before Chernobyl II

[aelaos Posted Jan 28th 2010 1:57PM]

I Guess if Apple presents iLaser , it will solve Cold Fusion Problem with a unique user interface. Unfortunately it will still lack multitasking and Flash support

[edf Posted Jan 28th 2010 2:05PM]

For this to work, it requires tons of Unobtanium, only found on the moon Pandora.

[Dusty Posted Jan 28th 2010 2:50PM]

Creepy pic! lol

[richnz Posted Jan 28th 2010 2:52PM]

Finally be able to charge my AAA's in record time!

[CA Posted Jan 28th 2010 3:40PM]

"That said, until the NIF tries the laser on fuel capsules this summer, we can only be hopeful."

...BOOM!

[sonicyoof Posted Jan 28th 2010 5:10PM]

Hey, I heard a rumor that in 2020 the iPad will be powered by this. Until then, I hope Engadget will keep me up to date on said rumor.

[tntuof Posted Jan 28th 2010 6:19PM]

The best picture ever! :D Even had to read the comments coz of it :P

[mrguru Posted Jan 28th 2010 9:25PM]

Laser Cats FTW!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBKjzXuDdjU

Nobody beats a cat with dual cat lasers.

[Nihility Posted Jan 29th 2010 5:16PM]

Vaporware