‘Ignition’ Electricity From Lasers Touted

June 5, 2009

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Scientists are testing the ability to generate energy from concentrated laser beams.

The National Ignition Facility, near San Francisco, is researching whether its 192 lasers can be concentrated to create temperature and pressure equal to the sun.

Using atomic fusion, the lasers would create a burst of energy in a process called “ignition.” The process may create a nearly limitless source of energy, Reuters reports.

Unlike nuclear fission, nuclear fusion would not leave behind as much harmful radioactive waste.

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Reader Comments

If that’s possible, that’ll be incredible. Lasers are extremely efficient, but I presume they’ll have to overcome the problems of containment, not just of the ignition itself.

JT | June 10th, 2009

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