In a research center in Romania, a powerful laser machine operated by Thales, a French company, promises to revolutionize various fields such as medicine and space exploration. The laser, with a maximum power of 10 petawatts, was developed by researchers Gerard Mourou from France and Donna Strickland from Canada who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018.
The technology behind this laser machine was developed using Chirped-Pulse Amplification (CPA), which involves stretching an ultrashort laser pulse, amplifying it, and compressing it again to create the most powerful laser pulse in the world. This technique has potential applications in treating cancer cells, reducing radioactive waste, and cleaning up space debris.
In the control room at the research center in Romania, Engineer Antonia Toma carefully monitors the indicators before initiating the laser beam. The system consists of two laser systems contained in red and black boxes that can reach its maximum power in an ultra-short time of femtoseconds. This achievement required the installation of 450 tons of equipment, highlighting the scale of operations at the center.
The project to develop this powerful laser machine was part of the larger ELI Infrastructure project of the European Union. Other countries like France, China, and the US are also investing in similar projects to create more powerful laser machines. The high-tech building where the research center is housed cost $350 million and represents the largest investment in scientific research in Romania.
Mourou believes that lasers are the future of technology in the 21st century and that their power can be harnessed for various beneficial applications. The research center in Romania represents a significant step forward in laser technology and opens up new possibilities for innovation and progress in various fields.
In summary, this cutting-edge research center housing a potent laser machine is set to transform multiple industries through its innovative capabilities. Its development was made possible through years of dedicated research by scientists worldwide who have harnessed its potential to create groundbreaking equipment for eye surgery and industrial use.
