Overview of laser technology at Los Alamos national laboratory

Abstract

In 1943, in the midst of World War II, Los Alamos National Laboratory was established to develop the world’s first atomic weapon. By 1945 with this goal successfully achieved, there was talk of disbanding the group of highly trained men and women that been assembled for so short a period to do what had never in history been accomplished. Through the action of several far-sighted government officials including General Groves, the Army head of the atom bomb project, the Los Alamos National Laboratory was established as a national resource which continues to this day to serve the National Defense. Increasingly, however, due to the end of the cold war and a shift in national priorities, Los Alamos and other National Laboratories are being looked to as a resource for new ideas and new technologies that can increase the national competitiveness in light of foreign competition. Laser technology and applications is an important part of this competitive base.In 1943, in the midst of World War II, Los Alamos National Laboratory was established to develop the world’s first atomic weapon. By 1945 with this goal successfully achieved, there was talk of disbanding the group of highly trained men and women that been assembled for so short a period to do what had never in history been accomplished. Through the action of several far-sighted government officials including General Groves, the Army head of the atom bomb project, the Los Alamos National Laboratory was established as a national resource which continues to this day to serve the National Defense. Increasingly, however, due to the end of the cold war and a shift in national priorities, Los Alamos and other National Laboratories are being looked to as a resource for new ideas and new technologies that can increase the national competitiveness in light of foreign competition. Laser technology and applications is an important part of this competitive base.