Is a One-Time Use Pulse Laser Possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating a one-time use pulse laser that utilizes a mini atomic bomb as a power source. Participants explore concepts related to nuclear physics and laser technology, including nuclear-pumped lasers and gamma-ray lasers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the idea of a one-time use pulse laser powered by a mini atomic bomb, expressing curiosity about its feasibility.
  • Another participant argues that a mini atomic bomb releases energy in a single event, which would be incompatible with the sustained output required for a laser, suggesting that the concept is fundamentally flawed.
  • A different participant introduces the idea of nuclear-pumped lasers, explaining that they involve harnessing the byproducts of a controlled nuclear reaction, which contrasts with the initial proposal.
  • One participant mentions the possibility of creating gamma-ray lasers using nuclear excited states, drawing a parallel to conventional laser mechanisms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using a mini atomic bomb for a pulse laser, with some supporting the idea of nuclear-pumped lasers while others challenge the initial concept. No consensus is reached on the viability of the proposed idea.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexities of integrating nuclear physics with laser technology, with participants acknowledging their varying levels of expertise in these fields.

Tiny Rick
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I've been thinking... Is there any way that there could be sort of a one-time use pulse laser that uses something like a mini atomic bomb to create a super high energy laser? I found stuff about a Nuclear pumped laser and "Project Excalibur", but I wanted to ask actual people who know a lot about this kind of thing. I'm an electrical engineer myself, and this is totally out of my realm.
 
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A mini-atomic bomb, by design, blows its wad in one go. Its rate of output will overwhelm (indeed, annihilate) any device attempting to harness it.

A nuclear-pumped laser is about harnessing the fissile byproducts of a controlled nuclear reaction.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_pumped_laser

They're kind of antithetical.
 
I know a little about lasers, and a lot less about nuclear physics.

You may be interested in this article, however:

http://phys.org/news/2011-05-gamma-ray-laser-emit-nuclear.html

Long story short, it is possible to make gamma ray laser light using nuclear excited states in a similar way as ordinary laser light is made using electronic excited states.
 
Thanks to everyone who responded! DaveC426913, thanks for clarifying that. Thanks jfizzix for linking that article!
 

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