The northern lights are shining extra-bright in Tampere Finland this month as a major step forward in amplifying the power of lasers was achieved.
For the first time a laser using similar technology to the fibres that deliver broadband internet to homes has been able to generate enough power to cut steel in seconds. With more than a trillion times the power of the sun and many times the power of existing technologies the laser generator, when used with ultrafast beam targeting can vaporise and weld metals at speeds greater than 1,000 km/hr.
The new laser processing systems will overcome the relatively long processing time which is a major shortcoming to the industrial implementation of Laser-machining solutions today. The development by Ampliconyx and Tampere University will be of special interest to the automotive sector aiming to reduce vehicle weight and accelerate battery production processes for new electric vehicles.
Nello Li Pira, the Head of Physical Analysis Department of Fiat Chrysler Automotive Research Centre in Turin said, "These exciting results can make a major impact io electric vehicle production and the drive to reduce vehicle CO² emissions".
Dr Maxim Odnoblyudov of Ampliconyx said, "We are very excited by these results which prove the unique capabilities of the technolgy which we plan to launch the first lower power products early in 2020".
Dr Regina Gumenyuk, who leads the project said, "It is rewarding to see these results based on technology orginiating from Tampere University and now a major step closer to reality".
The results are an output from the PULSE research and innovation project funded the EU H2020 programme and made up of partners from six countries:
- United Kingdom (Aston University and Modus Research and Innovation Limited);
- Finland (AMPLICONYX OY);
- Germany (LUNOVU Gmbh and Hochschule Mittweida);
- Greece (Nanotypos OE, Foundation for Research and Technology HELLAS, and Prime Laser Technology);
- Italy (Centro Richerche Fiat SCPA and Onostampi SRL);
- Latvia (Ceram Optec Sia)