Scientists recreate star conditions in lab, opening new paths for energy

An international team led by researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) achieved a groundbreaking observation of how a laser transforms metal into plasma, a state found in stars. The study, published in Nature Communications, marks a significant step toward laser fusion, seen as a promising source of clean energy.

The experiment combined two advanced lasers at the European XFEL facility in Germany. A laser pulse struck a thin copper wire, vaporizing it instantly and raising its temperature to millions of degrees, conditions comparable to neutron stars or gamma-ray bursts.

The precise observation of ion formation and dissolution within ten picoseconds opens new avenues for understanding and controlling laser fusion.

The physical process starts when electrons near the atomic nucleus are displaced by the laser. These high-energy electrons behave like waves that expel more electrons, creating plasma. As electrons lose energy and atoms recapture electrons, the cycle completes in just ten picoseconds.

The pump-probe technique allowed researchers to measure the real-time evolution of copper ions, which lost up to 22 electrons. The X-ray pulses used in diagnostics matched specific electronic jumps, enabling detailed internal plasma dynamics to be captured with unprecedented resolution.

These findings are crucial for refining diagnostic tools in nuclear fusion, an essential step toward building more efficient reactors. Ulf Zastrau, who led the experiment, stated that the work demonstrates laser power and paves the way for future laser fusion facilities.

The data collected will help create more accurate simulations, accelerating the development of fusion reactors capable of providing sustainable, clean energy in the near future.