A powerful new laser research facility on Colorado State University’s Foothills campus is expected to boost the nation’s nuclear fusion efforts to achieve limitless energy.
The new building will be known as the Advanced Technology Laser for Applied Science (ATLAS) facility and aims to be a unique cluster of high-intensity, high-repetition-rate lasers that can be configured to fire simultaneously at a single fusion target. I am. .
The burst will deliver about 7 petawatts of electricity (more than 5,000 times the power generation capacity of the United States) to a focal point roughly the width of a human hair for about a quintillionth of a second, according to a press release.
ATLAS facility also supports nuclear fusion and basic science research
According to CSU, the three ultra-high-power lasers can also be used alone or in other combinations to study problems beyond fusion energy, including important topics in basic research. He says it can be done.
CSU President Amy Parsons hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the facility on Wednesday.
“As a recognized top institution for both research and sustainability, CSU is the right home for this facility. We have been a leader in laser research for decades, and our faculty are leaders in critical technology. This new facility will house one of the most powerful lasers in the world and establish CSU as a center for laser fusion research,” Parsons said.
According to the release, the ATLAS facility will go beyond fusion research and basic science research to include interdisciplinary research into topics such as medicine, where lasers can be used to inject energy into very localized areas for tumor treatment. They plan to support it.
Other research possibilities at the facility include microchip lithography and design, as well as detailed X-ray imaging of fast-moving objects, such as the engines and turbines of airplanes operating at full speed. The facility will also support a wide range of basic science research, CSU said.
Facility responsible for the future of fusion energy
Heike Freund, Marvel Fusion’s chief operating officer, said the company is excited to continue partnering with CSU in this area of research.
“This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in the partnership between Marvell Fusion and Colorado State University as we move forward with construction of a facility that will advance the future of fusion energy,” Freund said. .
“Fusion energy has the potential to revolutionize approaches to sustainable power and provide a virtually limitless source of clean energy. This partnership will put CSU and MF at the forefront of cutting-edge research. , paving the way for transformative advances that can redefine global energy solutions.”
CSU Vice President for Research Cassandra Moseley said CSU is a leader in laser research and technology, which led to the groundbreaking of the building that will take its impactful research to the next level.
“Today we celebrate with the scientists on our team who have helped get us to this point, and we are excited about the research power and discoveries that will occur at this facility,” Moseley said.
