How the NIF Did It: Fusion Ignition with NIF Laser Scientist

How did we achieve nuclear fusion? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice learn about human-made thermonuclear fusion, the world’s most powerful lasers, and harnessing nuclear power with operations manager of The National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Labs, Bruno Van Wonterghem.

Can we make fusion happen with less than 300 million jules? Find out about the NIF and the work being done in nuclear energy. We discuss quantum tunneling in the sun and the energy needed to overcome repulsive forces. Is our fusion hotter than the sun?

What are deuterium and tritium? Discover helium 3 and heavy hydrogen. What is the difference between a powerpoint laser and the world’s most powerful fusion lasers? Learn about the physics of lasers and what wavelength of laser is best for nuclear fusion.

Can we make our most advanced lasers better? We explain what plasma is and whether fusion will be scalable. Will we one day have nuclear fusion power stations or portable fusion reactors attached to our cars? What is in store for the future of Lawrence Livermore National Labs? How can fusion be improved?

Thanks to our Patrons Gavin Mallow, Willest74, Isaac Labbe, Allen, and Beefcake for supporting us this week.

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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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00:00 - Introduction: National Ignition Facitily
05:30 - What is Ignition?
08:00 - Does fusion require too much energy?
13:00 - Why such high temperature?
17:05 - Hotter than the sun & Quantum Tunnelling
20:35 - Dueterium, Tritium, & Helium 3
28:55 - LASERS
38:00 - Making large lasers for fusion
41:38 - What is Plasma?
45:45 - Is fusion scalable?

[StarTalk]

What would you do with a portable fusion reactor?

[andrewlindenfeld]

Thank you Dr. Neil D. Tyson! I know you’re too humble to realize it, which is one of the many qualities that makes so many love you, but you have no idea how much you really have made the world a better place. Even if your contribution to society stopped right now, the invaluable information you’ve disseminated as of this moment will continue to make society a better place for decades to come. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me so interested in science! I’m sure I’m far from the only one that could say the same thing!

[glike]

Great to see an important and leading scientist and fellow countryman from our little county of Belgium 🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪

[OyvindBjorgo]

"Which is a good thing, because otherwise[...]"

Scientist dry wit at its best. That utterance had me laughing for a while. Please have Bruno back on. The back and forth between you guys was awesome.

[andreabrundage]

Dr. Tyson always bringing the BEST in science with top specialists from around the globe!! I love everything you have done to bring renewed interest in astrophysics and science in general, Dr. Tyson!! And Chuck Nice is irreplaceable as well due to the amazing rapport you guys have between each other and the guests you bring on the show. Please never stop!!!

[LEDewey_MD]

Great discussion about a great subject! I looked up more info on Dr. Wonterghem, I found an interview at the website for the National Ignition Facility, where he describes his background - and revealed he got to play an "extra" on the set of "Star Trek: Into Darkness", and the NIF was "converted" into a "spaceship". He got to keep his "red shirt" after they were done filming! How cool is that?! :)

[mattmorris]

It's criminal this channel doesn't get more exposure

[lemongavine]

Dr Van Wonterghem is super serious but still has a great sense of humor. Chuck has that effect on people.

[magicaces]

Just found the channel. Absolutely thought provoking and inspirational. My hope for humanity is more people like you.

[GlacialJaguar]

What a fantastic episode! I learned so much. Thank you so much Dr. Tyson and Dr. Van Wonterghem and Chuck too for saying how we all feel 😂

[momomom]

Hey guys thank you so much for the Absolutely Stellar content i cant thank you all enough for putting this show together you’ve been an absolute gift to me that i get to learn something new everyday with my favorite peoples!!

[lidoanho]

Neil! You're doing such a great job! Before I didn't know what was the importance of Science but then you entered to our lives and everything changed for the betterment!

[jamiboothe]

This was delicious, and I think you should interview more people like Dr. Wonterghem, who are changing the course of humanity.

[bigdaddycrow]

This is why Neil and startalk are so great. Neil doesn't play around, you need or want to know he and his friends find out. Thank you

[shawnanderson]

Read this Neil. You are my favorite science teacher ever. For real you bring out my love and excitement of learning. Also what an age to live in. P.s. love you to Chuck.

[christianolivera]

Incredible episode!! I love the visuals about the laser technology at the Livermore Lab (or the smaller individual green/red lasers) that are added in the video as the topics are explained. This certainly helps me get a much better understanding on the topics! Much appreciated!

[wesleyscott]

This is the subject I wanted to ask about when you were doing your talk in Columbia South Carolina a couple weeks ago. Unortunately we had a crazy lady asking about God, some other lady asking why she can't see the Big Dipper, and some guy who seem to be shaking his body all around arguing with you about something that you already knew about and agreed with. Not South Carolina's finest moment, I can assure you Dr. Tyson.

[thechangingtimes]

Incredible… it truly seems like humanity is on the verge of a new era in clean energy and self perpetuating energy creation.

[DRob]

As complicated as that experiment was, Bruno was able to explain it in an understandable way. Thank you

[dgareandro]

What I humble and insidefull man, he was patient enough to answer every single question in a simple way so everyone could understand. I only hope to hear more of this guy and of course the Fusion project that could potentially change humanity position on the 'Kardashev's scale' 😁👏👏👌