Crossing the Petawatt threshold
A revolutionary new laser called the Petawatt, developed by Lawrence Livermore researchers after an intensive three-year development effort, has produced more than 1,000 trillion ({open_quotes}peta{close_quotes}) watts of power, a world record. By crossing the petawatt threshold, the extraordinarily powerful laser heralds a new age in laser research. Lasers that provide a petawatt of power or more in a picosecond may make it possible to achieve fusion using significantly less energy than currently envisioned, through a novel Livermore concept called {open_quotes}fast ignition.{close_quotes} The petawatt laser will also enable researchers to study the fundamental properties of matter, thereby aiding the Department of Energy`s Stockpile Stewardship efforts and opening entirely new physical regimes to study. The technology developed for the Petawatt has also provided several spinoff technologies, including a new approach to laser material processing.
- OSTI ID:
- 426219
- Journal Information:
- Science and Technology Review, Other Information: PBD: Dec 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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