Discover
/
Article

Rochester operates user facility for laser fusion

FEB 01, 1979

The University of Rochester is now operating a National Users Laser Facility. Last October the first stage of the 30‐terawatt Omega system, which uses neodymium glass, began experiments. This stage, known as Zeta, has six beams and delivers 3–4 TW peak power. In December the second stage, with 24 beams and 12–16 TW peak power, is expected to operate. Construction has been supported by DOE. The last stage, still not funded, is planned to reach 30–40 TW peak power (energy of 10 kJ) by the addition of 24 active‐mirror booster systems. The pulse shape can be tailored, with the total pulse length between 0.05 and 1 nanosec.

This article is only available in PDF format

Related content
/
Article
In the closest thing yet obtained to a movie of a breaking chemical bond, there’s a surprise ending.
This Content Appeared In
pt-cover_1979_02.jpeg

Volume 32, Number 2

Get PT in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.