How the NIF Did It: Fusion Ignition with NIF Laser Scientist

How did we achieve nuclear fusion? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice learn about human-made thermonuclear fusion, the world’s most powerful lasers, and harnessing nuclear power with operations manager of The National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Labs, Bruno Van Wonterghem.

Can we make fusion happen with less than 300 million jules? Find out about the NIF and the work being done in nuclear energy. We discuss quantum tunneling in the sun and the energy needed to overcome repulsive forces. Is our fusion hotter than the sun?

What are deuterium and tritium? Discover helium 3 and heavy hydrogen. What is the difference between a powerpoint laser and the world’s most powerful fusion lasers? Learn about the physics of lasers and what wavelength of laser is best for nuclear fusion.

Can we make our most advanced lasers better? We explain what plasma is and whether fusion will be scalable. Will we one day have nuclear fusion power stations or portable fusion reactors attached to our cars? What is in store for the future of Lawrence Livermore National Labs? How can fusion be improved?

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About the prints that flank Neil in this video:
"Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver. https://inuit.com/

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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00:00 - Introduction: National Ignition Facitily
05:30 - What is Ignition?
08:00 - Does fusion require too much energy?
13:00 - Why such high temperature?
17:05 - Hotter than the sun & Quantum Tunnelling
20:35 - Dueterium, Tritium, & Helium 3
28:55 - LASERS
38:00 - Making large lasers for fusion
41:38 - What is Plasma?
45:45 - Is fusion scalable?