In a fraction of a second, he releases a energy equivalent to a hundred times global electrical production. THE laser Zeusdesigned by the University of Michigan, upsets the laws of physics with its impulses ultra-short et ultra-powerful. Here’s how this engineering monster opens a new scientific era.
A futuristic infrastructure that concentrates a dizzying power
The system Zeus (Zettawatt-Equivalent Ultrashort pulse laser System) is the result of Several decades of research On ultra -rapid pulse lasers. Installed in a highly protected complex, with Concrete walls 60 centimeters thickit is designed to contain extreme intensity radiation.
Above all, Zeus pushes records with an instantaneous power of 2 pétaWattseither 100 times planetary energy productionconcentrated in 25 quintilliones of a second. This energy density allows you to observe extreme physical phenomenahitherto inaccessible.
Thus, scientists can explore the Borders of matter and space-time in conditions never recreated in the laboratory.
In comparison, no other laser in the United States reaches this combination of power and temporal precision. This technological leap propels the University of Michigan at the top of the Global race for extreme lasers. As a result, Zeus stands out as an essential reference in high intensity search.
A miniaturized particle accelerator thanks to plasma physics
The secret of Zeus is based on the phenomenon ofAcceleration by wake field. To simplify, a pulse crosses a gaseous helium cell. This interaction creates a plasmaa state of matter where the electrons free themselves from their atoms. Then these electrons are propelled to extreme speeds, surfing on the Waves produced by the laser.
By optimizing the length and the density of the cell, the researchers allowed these particles to be accelerated over a greater distance.
Result : of the energy levels never reached For such light particles. Therefore, this technology opens the way to more devices compacts, less expensive and potentially more powerful than traditional accelerators.
So, Zeus becomes a scientific investigation tool of precision. It allows you to probe matter, test quantum theories, and explore New physical laws.
Applications that could transform medicine, physics and safety
The Zeus power is not limited to technological exploits. She could have concrete benefits in several major areas. For example :
- Advanced medical imaging with less radiation
- Anticancer therapies more targeted
- Quantum physics and tests of fundamental theories
- Astrophysics : simulation of conditions close to black holes
- Material science : observation of atomic structures
- National security : detection of dangerous or unstable materials
Thus, the Ultra-powerful X-rays de Zeus could revolutionize the medical diagnosis by limiting exposure to radiation. In addition, the ability to reproduce extreme conditionssimilar to those of starsopens a Unpublished field of exploration to astrophysics.
In addition, this advance could improve non -destructive control techniques in industry or strengthen the prevention of nuclear risks.
Towards Zettawatt: a collision that could change our understanding of the universe
The next stage of the project Zeus promises to be even more dizzying. Indeed, researchers provide for a “Signature experience” : collide the ultra-accredited electrons with a laser impulse of 3 pétaWatts. This meeting would simulate a power equivalent to un zettawattthat’s to say a thousand times more than the current system of the system.
This would make it possible to study quantum interactions never observedlike those at the origin of some cosmological phenomena. In addition, the United Kingdom is currently developing Vulcan 20-20another extreme laser project, which seeks to compete with Zeus.
In other words, a new international competition opens on the ground of ultra-light. Et Zeuswith his pulses as brief as it is overpoweredcould well Change our understanding of the universe entirely. In summary, we are witnessing the dawn of a scientific revolution powered by light.
