Rochester s Omega Laser Receives 50-Fold Authority Increase to Become Petawatt Laser

The University of Rochester marked an primary step in the effort toward attaining sustainable fusion, the ultimate source of clean energy. University President Joel Seligman, along with special guests, who contain U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, U.S. Representative Thomas Reynolds, and Undersecretary and National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator Thomas D'Agostino, attended dedicate the fresh Omega EP (Extended Performance) laser facility at the Robert L. Sproull Center for Ultra High Intensity Laser Research at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). The Omega EP comprises a contemporary establish of four ultra-high-intensity laser beams that will unleash more than a petawatt-a million billion watts-of competence onto a target just a millimeter across. Working in conjunction with LLE's original 60-beam Omega laser, the Omega EP will open the door to a advanced concept called "fast ignition, " which may be able to dramatically increase the energy
derived from fusion experiments and provide a feasible original avenue toward clean fusion power. If successful, rapid ignition could lead to the highest energy densities ever achieved in a laboratory. "I peep forward to the profound scientific contributions the Omega EP extension will bring to the University and to the world, " says Seligman. "It is a vital component of our nation's scientific capital and leadership, a key to strategic job on an independent energy future, and a vital part of the limited economy, including $44 million in community expenditures just remain year." "Over the years, the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics has consistently brought Upstate Modern York's high-tech sector to the forefront of energy innovation, " says Schumer. "It is a vital national resource as well as an economic boon to Rochester and to the entire Finger Lakes region. I was proud to secure over $61 million to support their efforts carry o
n year and will continue to gaze for ways in which the federal control can further collaborate with this dynamic laboratory in the future." "Employing more than 500 Western Virgin Yorkers, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics of the University of Rochester is essential to the growth of our community and ensures Rochester is on the cutting edge of technology, " says Reynolds. "The recent Omega EP laser is truly remarkable and serves as a clear demonstration of how our region remains a leader in world-class innovation. The Omega EP's success is a testament to the scientists, engineers, technicians, and students who made the project possible." The original Omega laser fires multi-trillion watt bursts of energy-more powerful than the entire electrical generating capacity of the United States-making it among the three most powerful lasers in the world. Yet Omega will become approximately 50 times more powerful still with the inclusion of Omega EP. Such incredible intensit
ies are necessary owing to creating electricity from fusion process heating the target fuel to a high temperature and confining it extensive enough so that more energy is released than is supplied to sustain the reaction. To release energy at a level required for electricity production, the fusion fuel must be heated to about 100 million degrees, more than six times hotter than the interior of the Sun. Full text: http://computerandtechnologies.com/computers-and-technology/news_2008-08-01-23-30-05-641.html