Slashdot Mirror
Laser Ignition May Replace the Spark Plug
dusty writes "Laser Focus World has a story on researchers from Ford, GSI, and The University of Liverpool and their success in using near-infrared lasers instead of spark plugs in automobile engines. The laser pulses are delivered to the combustion chamber one of two ways. One, the laser energy is transmitted through free space and into an optical plug. Two, the other more challenging method uses fiber optics. Attempts so far to put the second method into play have met some challenges. The researchers are confident that the fiber-optic laser cables' technical challenges (such as a 20% parasitic loss, and vibration issues) will soon be overcome. Both delivery schemes drastically reduce harmful emissions and increase performance over the use of spark plugs. So the spark plug could soon join the fax machine in the pantheon of antiquated technologies that will never completely disappear. The news release from The University of Liverpool has pictures of the freakin' internal combustion lasers."
rawr
Cue all the idiots who say "yeah but what about sharks with these lasers on their heads." Yeah, I saw that movie too. Chuckle chuckle, tee hee now get the fuck over it. Sheesh. They're almost as bad as the Wikitards.
not s0 bad. To the so that their the project to
how does this help us transition away from gasoline-based engines?
I don't know that any combustion system makes sense in a purely electric car, and I am not sure if hydrogen combustion benefits more from laser ignition or a regular old spark plug.
Other than the LASERS!!! effect, I don't see how this technology actually contributes to the issue currently at hand.
> which is the reason catalytic converters are required on vehicles in the US.
Call me strange, but it has become a hobby of mine to find all the little ways in which US citizens seem to assume They Are The One Nation That Matters.