ZEUS Laser Fires a New Era: University of Michigan Achieves Historic 2-Petawatt Milestone
The ZEUS laser at the University of Michigan has achieved a new U.S. milestone by firing a two-petawatt laser pulse, briefly unleashing power 100 times greater than the world’s total electricity consumption, though only for 25 quintillionths of a second.
Located in a gym-sized building with heavy radiation shielding, ZEUS is designed to probe quantum mechanics, replicate cosmic phenomena, and push the limits of plasma-based wakefield acceleration. Its first major experiment is set to launch later this year.
Backed by $16 million in funding from the National Science Foundation, the facility is now open to researchers across the country. Initial experiments aim to drive advances in particle acceleration, cancer therapy, and medical imaging.
A Titan in Laser Technology
Housed within the Gérard Mourou Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, ZEUS represents a culmination of cutting-edge laser technology and engineering. The facility, funded with $16 million from the National Science Foundation, is designed to explore the frontiers of quantum mechanics, plasma physics, and particle acceleration .
The laser system employs titanium-doped sapphire crystals, some measuring up to 7 inches in diameter, to amplify and compress laser pulses. These pulses are stretched and then compressed using advanced optical systems, including diffraction gratings, to achieve the desired intensity without damaging the equipment .
First Experiments and Applications
The inaugural experiment, led by Professor Franklin Dollar from the University of California, Irvine, focused on wakefield acceleration. By directing the laser pulse into a helium-filled chamber, the team generated plasma, creating conditions where electrons could be accelerated to high energies over short distances. This technique holds promise for developing compact particle accelerators, potentially revolutionizing fields like medical imaging and cancer therapy .
Global Context and Future Goals
While ZEUS now holds the title of the most powerful laser in the U.S., it still trails behind the 10-petawatt laser at Europe’s ELI-NP lab in Romania. However, ZEUS is designed to eventually reach 3 petawatts, with plans to simulate zettawatt-scale interactions by colliding accelerated electrons with opposing laser pulses .
Implications for Science and Society
The capabilities of ZEUS extend beyond fundamental physics. Its applications in medicine, national security, and materials science could lead to significant advancements. For instance, the precise control of high-energy particles can improve cancer treatments by targeting tumors more effectively, while insights into plasma behavior can enhance our understanding of nuclear fusion processes .
