Laser Amplifier Section

Description:

This is one section of a laser amplifier tube from the Shiva experimental fusion apparatus, operated at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 1978 through 1981. Scientists used the Shiva device to test theories about how lasers might be used to trigger a nuclear fusion reaction. The research program was part of the continuing quest to harness nuclear fusion as a source of energy.

Lasers are useful in this type of research since they emit such a narrow beam of intense radiation. Shiva focused the energy of twenty laser beams on a tiny target of fuel to determine how the fuel would react. This amplifier tube is a short section of one of the twenty beam paths and contains panels of neodymium glass that strengthen and focus the light beam. Device included in Shiva laser chain, 1977-81. Power amplification - maximum 20. Donor notes: "These amplifiers were used in Shiva, a twenty-arm pulsed glass laser which preceded the Novette and Nova lasers."

Date Made: 1977

Maker: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Location: Currently not on view

Subject: LaserNuclear power

Subject:

See more items in: Work and Industry: Electricity, Energy & Power, Lasers, Science & Mathematics

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1985.0236.11Accession Number: 1985.0236Catalog Number: 1985.0236.11

Object Name: amplifierlaser amplifierOther Terms: amplifier; Lasers and Masers

Physical Description: metal (part material)neodymium glass (part material)Measurements: overall: 60 in x 23 in; x 152.4 cm x 58.42 cmoverall: 47 in x 71 in x 49 in; 119.38 cm x 180.34 cm x 124.46 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-769d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_713775

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.