Harnessing Light's Power: From Fusion to Exoplanets

Scientists are using lasers to explore the high pressures found in the Universe, such as those inside exoplanets and stars. By focusing coherent laser beams on small targets, immense amounts of power can be delivered in short periods of time, superheating the outer layers of the target and driving a shock wave into the material. This process allows scientists to achieve densities that would otherwise be impossible, providing insights into the exotic forms of matter under extreme pressure. The use of lasers in this way has also been instrumental in achieving break-even fusion experiments.