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Laser empties atoms from the inside out

Researchers at the University of York and Joint Institute for High Temperatures used a petawatt laser to remove deeply bound electrons from atoms, creating a distinctive plasma state. The experiment aims to further understanding of fusion energy generation, which employs hotter plasmas than the Sun.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 25, 2013

Supercharged

By using high-powered X-ray laser, researchers stripped a record 36 electrons from a xenon atom, achieving a previously unachievable positively charged state. This breakthrough will help create new states of matter and produce higher-quality images of nano-world objects.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 15, 2012

New method to separate much-needed medical isotopes

The new method uses optical pumping and magnetic barriers to extract desired atoms from a stream of elements, allowing for the isolation of crucial isotopes like lithium-7. This approach promises to be a more efficient and safer means of obtaining these vital elements for medical applications.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateFeb 28, 2012

New unifying theory of lasers advanced by physicists

Researchers developed a new set of non-linear equations that fit both conventional and non-conventional lasers, predicting important properties from simple inputs. This unifying theory solves the long-standing problem in laser physics, providing a substantially broader perspective on laser structures.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2008

Harvard, Texas A&M scientists develop new laser

Researchers have created a novel Raman laser that combines the pump source and material into a single device, enhancing efficiency by 30% and reducing size. The 'matryoshka' design enables tuning of the pump laser radiation to strong electronic resonance in the material, boosting gain by five orders of magnitude.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2005

Free electron laser reaches 10 kW

The US Navy has successfully upgraded its free electron laser to a record-breaking 10 kW power level, enabling new possibilities in manufacturing, medical research, biology, and basic physics. The upgrade marks a significant milestone in the FEL program's development and opens doors to various applications.

Physics tip sheet #36 - July 30, 2003

Researchers at UCLA created a 30-cm diameter plasma laser by applying a nonuniform magnetic field. Meanwhile, scientists have made rapid advances in detecting dark matter using weak gravitational lensing experiments. A paper also examines the emerging behavior of complex systems in electronic bidding on online auction sites like eBay.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 30, 2003

Optical Society of America announces 2002 award winners

The Optical Society of America honored its 2002 award winners, recognizing their significant contributions to various fields of optics. Notably, James P. Gordon received the Frederic Ives Medal for his seminal work on quantum electronics, while Emil Wolf was awarded the Esther Hoffman Beller Award for his influential educational work.

SourceOptica·DateApr 25, 2002

An alternative to giant cyclotrons

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new technique to accelerate ions, using a table-top laser instead of radio-frequency waves. The new technique accelerates ions in almost a million-times shorter distance than a cyclotron, potentially making ion accelerators more affordable and accessible for medical applications.

First observation of a new quantum gas

Scientists at JILA have successfully cooled a gas of potassium atoms to temperatures near absolute zero, creating a Fermi degenerate gas. This achievement demonstrates the behavior of fermions, which are essential building blocks of matter, and could lead to breakthroughs in atomic clock technology and electronic devices.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 1999

An entire library on one compact disc?

Temple University physicist Zameer Hasan is working to increase the storage capacity of compact discs by using lasers to distinguish between different colors, allowing for a billion-fold increase in data storage. His research focuses on creating materials that can withstand high temperatures and improve the speed of laser reading.

Williams Wins NSF Grant For Laser Research Facility

The National Science Foundation has awarded Williams College a $143,912 grant to equip a new laser facility, bringing together four research labs and a student workspace. The new equipment will enable researchers to measure optical wavelengths accurately and support a broad range of research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics.