Laser Lab Expands Capabilities

University Communications Author

11/25/2014 Added

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A new specialized laser and a facility designed for multiple research teams are amplifying University of Nebraska-Lincoln's laser science capabilities.

Read more about this and other University of Nebraska-Lincoln research in the 2013-2014 UNL Research Report. See Shrinking Synchotron X-rays Expands Potential:http://research.unl.edu/annualreport/2014/shrinking-synchrotron-x-rays-expands-potential/

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[00:00:00.720]A nuclear weapon hidden in a cargo container is a potential threat to
[00:00:05.651]national security.
[00:00:07.341]Researchers at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln have developed new technology that
[00:00:12.921]protects against that threat.
[00:00:15.410]We've been able to develop our x-ray source which has novel capabilities to
[00:00:21.892]be able to detect nuclear materials through thick shielding.
[00:00:26.841]Using the powerful and compact Diocles laser, researchers have produced
[00:00:32.160]high-quality synchrotron x-rays.
[00:00:35.620]Currently this type of x-ray is produced in facilities the size of a football stadium.
[00:00:41.301]Lasers and smaller devices make the difference.
[00:00:44.920]We've developed a synchrotron which is driven exclusively by laser light, and
[00:00:50.721]that has resulted in a miniaturization of those large facilities to what is a tabletop.
[00:00:58.932]The laser technology provides a mobile option for medical imaging in hospitals
[00:01:04.322]and for homeland security applications in the field.
[00:01:07.921]Not only can we detect nuclear materials, but we could also potentially detect
[00:01:12.762]biochemical and explosive and radiological materials at great distances and, in some
[00:01:21.291]cases, in shielded environments.
[00:01:23.551]Adding to UNL's laser power is Archimedes, a specialized laser used to amplify
[00:01:29.981]Nebraska's laser science research.
[00:01:32.381]Research at Nebraska's Extreme Light core facility is funded by the Department of
[00:01:36.810]Energy, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Department of Defense,
[00:01:42.241]the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and U.S. StratCom.
[00:01:47.212]High intensity laser research has some applications that we haven't actually yet
[00:01:53.501]imagined. And since there is a lot of competition now in this area of research,
[00:01:59.841]particularly from Russia and from China, I think it's important for the US to try
[00:02:05.402]to stay ahead and maintain their leadership.

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Laser Lab Expands Capabilities

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