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HERCULES laser fires a new intensity record

Posted February 19, 2008 8:54 AM

From Newlaunches.com:

The most intense laser beam is to set a new record. The record-setting beam measures 20 billion trillion watts per square centimeter. It contains 300 terawatts of power. That's 300 times the capacity of the entire U.S. electricity grid. The laser beam's power is concentrated to a 1.3-micron speck about 100th the diameter of a human hair. A human hair is about 100 microns wide.

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Anonymous Poster
#1

Re: HERCULES laser fires a new intensity record

02/20/2008 3:03 AM

Could the laser be able to heat a tiny speck of weapons grade nuclear fuel to the point where a chain reaction would take place with only a small fraction of critical mass.

Maybe a micro nuclear explosion.

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#2

Re: HERCULES laser fires a new intensity record

02/20/2008 11:20 AM

"You kids stop playing with not, you'll put some ones eye out"

Was this calcualted results or measured?

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#3

Re: HERCULES laser fires a new intensity record

02/22/2008 7:02 PM

So it was 300 terawatts of power in a 1.3 micron spec that lasted for 30 femptoseconds. What was the result? Did it burn a hole through anything? This is another 'news' article without many facts. Interesting as far as it goes. I hope we get some follow up later.

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#4

Re: HERCULES laser fires a new intensity record

02/23/2008 6:09 AM

Much journalistic puffery, no doubt in order to get a larger share from the Grants Committee next financial year.

Hey Ma, the lights just blinked.

Kind Regards....

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