Abstract:
A system includes a laser system operable to provide a laser beam along an optical path and a fusion chamber coupled to the optical path. The system also includes a neutron pinhole disposed along the optical path between the laser system and the fusion chamber and a neutron attenuation region disposed along the optical path between the laser system and the fusion chamber.
Abstract:
An apparatus for use in a friction stir operation, such as friction stir welding (FSW) or friction stir processing (FSP). The apparatus may have a rotating tool adapted to be plunged into a material, where the material is susceptible to being softened by heating. The rotating tool may further be adapted to be advanced along a surface of the material. An optical energy generating subsystem may be used to heat a portion of the material using optical energy as the tool is advanced along the material.
Abstract:
An optical system includes a laser source operable to output a laser beam at a fundamental wavelength and a frequency conversion system. The frequency conversion system includes a frequency doubler module including a first plurality of nonlinear optical crystals and a frequency tripler module including a second plurality of nonlinear optical crystals. The optical system also includes a control system coupled to the frequency conversion system and a diagnostics system coupled to the frequency conversion system.