Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sandia National Laboratories generates neutrons in a radical way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/sandia-labs-creates-new-neutron-generator-neutristor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/sandia-labs-creates-new-neutron-generator-neutristor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/sandia-labs-creates-new-neutron-generator-neutristor/#comments Image

The Responsive Neutron Generator Product Deployment Center (say that quickly five times) at Sandia Labs in Albuquerque, NM has discovered a way to take the conventional cylindrical tubes out of the equation and introduce a more computer-chip like, mass-produced neutron source on an astonishingly smaller scale. For those seeking lay terms, we're hearing that possible practical applications include implantation close to tumors in cancer patients to minimize time in the hospital for treatment, and sensors for contraband. Sandia Labs' technical staff has created what it calls a "neutristor," which produces one neutron per transistor, a concept that was directly inspired by the two transistors per bit on microchips. The team is currently seeking funding to ensure future viability, and well, to pay for stuff. Check out the video after the break, as well as further information at the source.

Continue reading Sandia National Laboratories generates neutrons in a radical way

Sandia National Laboratories generates neutrons in a radical way originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fusionneutron generatorNeutronGeneratorneutronsnew mexicoNewMexiconmnuclearnuclear fusionnuclearfusionsandiasandia labsSandiaLabssciencevideoTue, 17 Apr 2012 23:46:00 EST<![CDATA[X-ray laser bakes solid plasma from aluminum foil, brings us closer to nuclear fusion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/x-ray-laser-bakes-solid-plasma-from-aluminum-foil-brings-us-clo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/x-ray-laser-bakes-solid-plasma-from-aluminum-foil-brings-us-clo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/x-ray-laser-bakes-solid-plasma-from-aluminum-foil-brings-us-clo/#comments Nuclear fusion, like flying cars, is one of those transparent, dangling carrots that've been stymying the scientific community and tickling our collective noses for decades. But recent research out of the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory might help us inch a few baby steps closer to that Jetsonian future. The experiment, conducted by a group of Oxford University scientists, utilized the DOE's Linac Coherent Light Source -- an X-ray laser capable of pulsing "more than a billion times brighter" than current synchrotron sources -- to transmute a piece of aluminum foil heated to 3.6 million degrees Fahrenheit (or 2 million degrees Celsius) into a cube of solid plasma. So, why go to such lengths to fry a tiny piece of metal at that extreme temperature? Simple: to replicate conditions found within stars and planets. Alright, so it's not that easy and we're still a ways off from actually duping celestial bodies, but the findings could help advance theories in the field and eventually unlock the powers of the Sun. Until that fateful day arrives, however, we'll just have to let these pedigreed pyros continue to play with their high-tech toys.

Continue reading X-ray laser bakes solid plasma from aluminum foil, brings us closer to nuclear fusion

X-ray laser bakes solid plasma from aluminum foil, brings us closer to nuclear fusion originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Department of EnergyDepartmentOfEnergyLinac Coherent Light SourceLinacCoherentLightSourcenuclear fusionNuclearFusionoxford universityOxfordUniversitySLAC National Accelerator LaboratorySlacNationalAcceleratorLaboratoryXaserXrayXray laserXrayLaserThu, 26 Jan 2012 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft manager teams up with teens to build a fusion reactor in his garage (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/28/microsoft-manager-teams-up-with-teens-to-build-a-fusion-reactor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/28/microsoft-manager-teams-up-with-teens-to-build-a-fusion-reactor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/28/microsoft-manager-teams-up-with-teens-to-build-a-fusion-reactor/#comments Fusion Reactor Normally, if a grown man talks about building a fusion reactor and wants your 13-year-old to hang out in his garage, we'd expect you to smile, back away slowly, and perhaps alert the authorities. But, if that man is Microsoft program manager Carl Greninger there's no need to run. The science fanatic recruited a team of teens, as young as 13, and worked with them to build a Farnsworth-Hirsch Fusor -- a (comparatively) simple nuclear reactor that smashes together atoms and produces neutrons. Check out the nearly 20-min video after the break to watch a bunch of high school kids generate ball of ionized plasma. And to think, all that's in your garage is that '65 Mustang you swear you're gonna restore one day.

Continue reading Microsoft manager teams up with teens to build a fusion reactor in his garage (video)

Microsoft manager teams up with teens to build a fusion reactor in his garage (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 May 2011 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carl GreningerCarlGreningerDIYFarnsworth fusorFarnsworthFusorFarnsworthHirsch FusorFarnsworthhirschFusorfusionfusion reactorFusionReactorfusorgeneratorneutronsnuclearnuclear fusionNuclearFusionreactorsciencevideoSat, 28 May 2011 02:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Nuclear fusion startup gets Jeff Bezos backing, won't be dropping any bombs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/nuclear-fusion-startup-gets-jeff-bezos-backing-wont-be-droppin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/nuclear-fusion-startup-gets-jeff-bezos-backing-wont-be-droppin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/nuclear-fusion-startup-gets-jeff-bezos-backing-wont-be-droppin/#comments Here's a phrase we never though we'd utter: Bezos is the bomb! Okay, so maybe a nuke reference isn't exactly appropriate here, considering Jeff Bezos is actually backing a company that's looking to create cheap energy through nuclear fusion, but we couldn't resist. General Fusion, a nuclear fusion startup, released a statement today saying that it has completed a $19.5 million round of funding that included backing by the Amazon founder's Bezos Expeditions. According the company's website, General Fusion's approach to generating "safe and plentiful" energy employs a concept created about 30 years ago called "magnetic target fusion," and expects commercialization of its process could come before the end of the decade. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Nuclear fusion startup gets Jeff Bezos backing, won't be dropping any bombs

Nuclear fusion startup gets Jeff Bezos backing, won't be dropping any bombs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 May 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BezosBezos ExpeditionsBezosExpeditionsfundingGeneral FusionGeneralFusionJeff BezosJeffBezosmagnetic target fusionMagneticTargetFusionMTFnuclearNuclear fusionnuclear powernuclear scienceNuclearFusionNuclearPowerNuclearSciencestartupventure capitalVentureCapitalThu, 05 May 2011 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: inside the National Ignition Facility]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/08/visualized-inside-the-national-ignition-facility/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/08/visualized-inside-the-national-ignition-facility/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/08/visualized-inside-the-national-ignition-facility/#comments
The $3.5 billion National Ignition Facility may not have yet reached its "ignition" goal -- essentially, fusing the nuclei of hydrogen atoms and generating more energy than was required to start the initial reaction -- but it did recently complete its first integrated ignition experiment on September 29th, in which a capsule containing hydrogen fuel was briefly bombarded with 1 megajoule of energy from the 192 lasers in the test chamber. Impressive, to be sure, and a prime opportunity to take a look at just how impressive the facility itself is. Check out a few more jaw-dropping shots in the gallery below, and hit up the link below for The Big Picture's own retrospective.

Gallery: National Ignition Facility

Visualized: inside the National Ignition Facility originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fusionlaserlasersnational ignition facilityNationalIgnitionFacilityNIFnuclear fusionNuclearFusionpew pewPewPewscienceFri, 08 Oct 2010 14:38:00 EST<![CDATA[One megajoule laser brings nuclear fusion power closer to reality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/one-megajoule-laser-brings-nuclear-fusion-closer-to-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/one-megajoule-laser-brings-nuclear-fusion-closer-to-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/one-megajoule-laser-brings-nuclear-fusion-closer-to-reality/#comments 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]

One megajoule laser brings nuclear fusion power closer to reality originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fusionfusion ignitionFusionIgnitionicfInertial confinement fusionInertialConfinementFusionlasermegajoulemegajoule laserMegajouleLaserNational Ignition CampaignNational Ignition FacilityNationalIgnitionCampaignNationalIgnitionFacilitynifnuclear fusionNuclearFusionThu, 28 Jan 2010 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Transparent aluminum! Would that be worth somethin' to ya, eh?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/transparent-aluminum-would-that-be-worth-somethin-to-ya-eh/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/transparent-aluminum-would-that-be-worth-somethin-to-ya-eh/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/transparent-aluminum-would-that-be-worth-somethin-to-ya-eh/#comments
It's hard to say if boffins at Oxford University got their inspiration from Nimoy and Co., but one thing's for sure: they aren't joking about the creation of transparent aluminum. In what can only be described as a breakthrough for the ages, a team of mad scientists across the way have created "a completely new state of matter nobody has seen before" by blasting aluminum walls (around one-inch thick) with brief pulses of soft X-ray light, each of which is "more powerful than the output of a power plant that provides electricity to a whole city." For approximately 40 femtoseconds, an "invisible effect" is seen, giving the gurus hope that their experiment could lead to new studies in exotic states of matter. For a taste of exactly what we mean, feel free to voice command your PC to jump past the break. Or use the keyboard, if you're feeling quaint.

Continue reading Transparent aluminum! Would that be worth somethin' to ya, eh?

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Transparent aluminum! Would that be worth somethin' to ya, eh? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminumFLASH laserFlashLaserlasernuclear fusionNuclearFusionoxfordOxford UniversityOxfordUniversityresearchsciencespaceStar trekStarTrekTransparent aluminiumTransparentAluminiumuniversityuniversity of oxfordUniversityOfOxfordworld recordWorldRecordx-rayTue, 04 Aug 2009 01:44:00 EST<![CDATA[NIF scientists set the controls for nuclear fusion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/nif-scientists-set-the-controls-for-nuclear-fusion/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/nif-scientists-set-the-controls-for-nuclear-fusion/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/nif-scientists-set-the-controls-for-nuclear-fusion/#comments
It looks like nuclear fusion is no longer just for precocious teenagers. Among the flurry of experiments going down worldwide, significant work will start rolling at the US National Ignition Facility sometime this June. Under construction for twelve years, the lab will focus 192 giant laser beams on two forms of hydrogen, deuterium and tritium. Combining these isotopes at high temperatures generates a colossal amount of energy, recreating conditions "at the heart of the sun." The goal is to find a way to achieve controlled, sustained nuclear fusion and energy gain in a lab. According to the director of the facility, Dr. Ed Moses, "When all NIF lasers are fired at full energy, they will deliver 1.8 megajoules of ultraviolet energy to the target." Lasting just a few nanoseconds, the system is capable of generation 500 trillion watts of power -- more than the peak electrical generating power of the entire United States. Significant results are expected sometime between 2010 and 2012.

Continue reading NIF scientists set the controls for nuclear fusion

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NIF scientists set the controls for nuclear fusion originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dr. Ed MosesDr.EdMosesfusionNational Ignition FacilityNationalIgnitionFacilitynifnuclear fusionnuclear powerNuclearFusionNuclearPowerTue, 31 Mar 2009 23:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit-area teen builds nuclear fusion reactor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/23/detroit-area-teen-builds-nuclear-fusion-reactor/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/23/detroit-area-teen-builds-nuclear-fusion-reactor/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/23/detroit-area-teen-builds-nuclear-fusion-reactor/#comments We've heard of plenty of DIY projects, ranging from an MP3 player to a Wacom tablet, but a kid building a small nuclear fusion device in his parents' basement? That's something special. Thiago Olson, a 17-year-old from Oakland Township, outside Detroit, has just completed a 1,000-hour (that's over 40 days worth, but he spread it out over two years) project to build a small-scale nuclear fusion reactor. How does it work? The short of it is that Olson takes a vacuum chamber, fills it with deuterium gas and then jolts it up with 40,000 volts, which creates a very small amount of nuclear fusion. That sounds easy enough -- but now the question is, can young Dr. Strangelove hook up his reactor to the house so he can pay his parents' electrical bill?

[Via MAKE: Blog, photo courtesy Detroit Free Press]

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Detroit-area teen builds nuclear fusion reactor originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdiymichigannuclear fusionNuclearFusionoakland townshipOaklandTownshipreactorthiago olsonThiagoOlsonThu, 23 Nov 2006 19:15:00 EST