The x rays then bounce around inside of the cylinder. The fuel-less pellet is struck repeatedly from all sides by the x rays.
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Eventually, the pellet implodes in on itself. That is, it is reduced greatly in size when it explodes inward (implodes) on itself.
Dr. Glenzer states, "These lasers are pulsed, and for a very short amount of time ...,' (one ten-billionth of a second) and '... the power they produce is more than all the power generated by the entire electrical grid of the United States." [National Geographic]
The National Geographic article states, 'The laser demonstration means scientists are now much closer to triggering nuclear fusion in a controlled setting'”something that's never been done before and which is necessary if fusion is to be harnessed for energy.'
Nuclear fusion, when eventually controlled by us on Earth, will result in an abundant and powerful amount of clean energy.
That is, it doesn't produce nuclear waste, as in nuclear fission (like in our current nuclear power plants), and it doesn't pollute our environment, as in our carbon-based energy sources involving petroleum (gasoline, for example) and coal products.
Page four concludes with a prediction from Dr. Glenzer on when we can expect to see an experimental nuclear fusion plant in operation.
