WorldTekhno.com – Vulcan 20-20 is a major upgrade to the existing Vulcan laser facility at the Central Laser Facility (CLF) in the United Kingdom. The project is expected to be completed in 2029 and will cost £82M.
The new Vulcan laser will be one of the most powerful lasers in the world, with a peak power of 20 petawatt (PW) and a total energy output of 20 kilojoules (kJ). This is a significant increase from the current Vulcan laser, which has a peak power of 1 PW and a total energy output of 2 kJ.
The Vulcan 20-20 upgrade will enable scientists to study a wide range of phenomena in unprecedented detail, including:
- Astrophysics: Vulcan 20-20 can be used to create conditions similar to those found in stars and other astrophysical objects. This will allow scientists to study a wide range of astrophysical phenomena, such as shockwaves, plasma jets, and black holes.
- Laser fusion: Vulcan 20-20 can be used to study laser fusion, a potential new source of clean energy. Laser fusion involves using lasers to compress and heat a small pellet of fuel until it fuses together, releasing a large amount of energy.
- Materials science: Vulcan 20-20 can be used to study the behavior of materials under extreme conditions. This can help scientists to develop new materials with improved properties, such as strength, durability, and conductivity.
The Vulcan 20-20 upgrade is a major investment in UK science and will enable the CLF to remain a world-leading center for laser research. It is expected to have a significant impact on our understanding of the universe and to lead to the development of new technologies.***
