Scientists hope to tap energy of the sun
source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/space/5081449/Scientists-hope-to-tap...
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- ClipsFC
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The US National Ignition Facility in California will start a nuclear reaction by focusing 192 giant laser beams on a tiny pellet of hydrogen fuel.
Scientists hope to show that more energy can be extracted from the process than is required to initiate it.
Professor Mike Dunne, who leads a European venture that is also pursuing nuclear fusion with lasers, told BBC News that if NIF was successful, it would be a "seismic event".
"It would mark the transition for laser fusion from 'physics' to 'engineering reality'," he said.
The world is looking to NIF to provide a clear, unequivocal demonstration that lasers can initiate fusion energy gain
"This is a major milestone," said Dr Ed Moses, director of the facility.
"We are well on our way to achieving what we set out to do - controlled, sustained nuclear fusion and energy gain for the first time ever in a laboratory setting."
Experiments will begin in June 2009, with the first significant results expected between 2010 and 2012.
Scientists have so far been unable to create a nuclear fusion reaction, which is seen as the holy grail, because of the possibilities of it being able to provide limitless energy.
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- Green, Earth and Science, World News, US News, 4 more
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ManBearPigLives
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Nuclear Fusion With Lasers = Awesome
- 3 years ago
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ManBearPigLives
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jahbini
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Hot fusion is always just a year away... I've been hearing that since 1970 I think. I'm wondering if there is any truth to Stephen Crane's poem:
I saw a man pursuing the horizon;
Round and round they sped.
I was disturbed at this;
I accosted the man.
"It is futile," I said,
"You can never -- "
"You lie," he cried,
And ran on.But then again, that's the fun part of any true romance; you really must believe even in the face of reality.
- 3 years ago
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jahbini
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ClipsFC
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I love the possibilities of this, but i admit, I am not an expert. If anybody here on Current cares to join and maybe give a bit more insight that would be great :)
- 3 years ago
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ClipsFC
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Cameleion1
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I dont know much about nuclear fusion but it sounds difficult. Boy that would open up a whole new energy resource.
- 3 years ago
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Cameleion1
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ClipsFC
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So far scientists have not been able to create a nuclear fusion reaction but there is promising research on the topic.
- 3 years ago
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ClipsFC
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cybexg
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ClipsFC:
ah...not been able to create a sustained and controlled fusion reaction.
- 3 years ago
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cybexg
