Speaker Professor Wilson Sibbet - Lasers for Energy

President Ewen Allan welcomed members and guest to the Club's weekly meeting in the Best Western Scores hotel. The evening's speaker was Emeritus Professor Wilson Sibbett of the University's school of physics and astronomy. Wilson has been at the forefront of laser development since he came to the university in 1985. Lasers began to be developed in  nuclear development after the last war. In the early days they were not particularly powerful but with constant improvements in speed and power, lasers, by fusing two hydrogen atoms are now replicating the power generated by the sun. Inertial fusion creates ultraviolet light pulses squeezing atoms together creating a mini sun. Development in nuclear fusion with diode lasers is progressing and Wilson explained this will be a very important fuel source in the future. When the word nuclear is used the public always thinks of nuclear fission and the problems that entails particularly in the disposal of waste. However fusion is completely clean and has no waste problems and will be inexpensive to create. Because of its peaceful use there is presently worldwide collaboration in development. Following questions from members George McIntosh thanked Wilson for a most interesting talk.