Improbable Matter
Improbable Matter
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How lasers work
Simplified explanation of laser physics principles: atomic energy levels, spontaneous and stimulated emission, gain, three- and four-level schemes. Also explained are various types of laser: ruby, Neodymium, Helium-Neon, Semiconductor/Diode, Capillary Discharge and Free Electron Lasers.
Contents
00:00 - Introduction
02:04 - Atomic processes
04:54 - Laser gain
06:43 - CW and Q-switching
09:14 - Population inversion
13:12 - Ruby, Neodymium
14:24 - HeNe
15:00 - Diode lasers
17:00 - Unconventional
18:27 - Free Electron
19:47 - LWI
20:33 - Summary
References
[1] “Raman spectroscopy has shed light on the structure of difficult to analyse sulphur-rich polymers”, Central Laser Facility
www.clf.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/Raman-spectroscopy-has-shed-light-on-the-structure-of-difficult-to-analyse-sulphur-rich-polymers.aspx
[2] 3D animation of the Rutherford atom (User: Damek)
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:3D_anamation_of_the_Rutherford_atom.ogv
[3] Y. Diouf et al., “Numerical Study of Density Functional Theory of Multi-electronic Atoms: Case of Carbon and Helium”, American Journal of Nanomaterials 9, 12 (2021).
[4] Xenon Flashtube by Nathan Boor (User: NapoleonoftheNow)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Xenon_Flash_Wiki.ogv
[5] S. Hooker and C. E. Webb, “Laser Physics”, (OUP 2010). ISBN: 978-0198506928
[6] Black Marble 2016, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/details.cgi?aid=30878
[7] 3D cut of the LHC dipole, CERN, OPEN-PHO-ACCEL-2014-003-8
home.cern/resources/image/accelerators/lhc-images-gallery
[8] L. Yuan et al., “Transient lasing without inversion via forbidden and virtual transitions”, Physical Review A 89, 013814 (2014).
zhlédnutí: 12 336

Video

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zhlédnutí 14KPřed 6 měsíci
Discussion about how quantum key distribution methods based on measuring the polarization of photons can be used to keep communications secure. In particular, the methods of Bennett and Brassard (BB84) and Ekert (E91) are explained. Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:25 - One-time pad 02:17 - Public key cryptography 03:22 - Photon polarization 04:46 - BB84 08:31 - No-cloning theorem 09:06 - Quant...
The 200-year-old mathematics behind half the internet
zhlédnutí 126KPřed 11 měsíci
Discussing how Fourier Transforms - breaking up signals into individual waves - allows lossy compression of sound, images and movies like the one you are watching now! Sources [1] Historic Naval Sound and Video, maritime.org/sound/ Retrieved 12/Jun/2023 [2] Formula 1 Turkish GP 2021 (User: SAİT71) commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Formula_1_Turkish_GP_2021_-_2.ogg
The limits of AI - a ramble including Sidewinder missiles
zhlédnutí 20KPřed rokem
Putting Artificial Intelligence into perspective. References [1] Ministers not doing enough to control AI, says UK professor, retrieved 17/May/2023 www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/13/ministers-not-doing-enough-to-control-ai-says-uk-professor [2] AI pioneer warns Government offering little defence against threat of technology, retrieved 17/May/2023, www.standard.co.uk/tech/the-times-gove...
How nuclear fusion (maybe) works (4) - reactor practicalities
zhlédnutí 93KPřed rokem
Discussion of practical elements of any future nuclear fusion power plant. This video is released under a Creative Commons licence. Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:26 - Maintaining a vacuum 05:23 - Introduction 06:55 - Getting energy out 10:06 - Neutrons 13:51 - Neutron activation 19:00 - Tritium breeding 21:31 - Fission-fusion hybrid 22:12 - Neutron damage 27:43 - Long-term prospects 29:01 - ...
The Sun is larger than you might think
zhlédnutí 23KPřed rokem
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The problems with Helion Energy - a response to Real Engineering
zhlédnutí 752KPřed rokem
A short humorous analysis of challenges with the fusion approach of Helion Energy. Contents 00:00 - Introduction 01:03 - Low reactivity 02:55 - Neutrons 05:33 - Bremsstrahlung 06:17 - Diagnostics 06:57 - Conclusion References [1] www.helionenergy.com/ [2] “A New Way to Achieve Nuclear Fusion: Helion”, czcams.com/video/_bDXXWQxK38/video.html [3] arpa-e.energy.gov/sites/default/files/ALPHATeamPan...
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zhlédnutí 42KPřed rokem
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How nuclear fusion works (3) - magnetic confinement, tokamaks, stellarators
zhlédnutí 84KPřed rokem
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zhlédnutí 2,7KPřed 2 lety
Mashup of two historical songs featuring national flora "Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow" (1914) "The Flower of Scotland" (1967)
How nuclear fusion works (2) - confinement, stars, nukes, inertial fusion energy
zhlédnutí 78KPřed 2 lety
Explaning the challenge of confining a thermonuclear plasma to achieving fusion. A look at fusion inside stars, the workings of thermonuclear weapons and the peaceful pursuit of inertial confinement fusion energy. Contents 00:00 - Introduction 00:42 - Plasma confinement 06:00 - Cross sections 09:36 - Deuterium-Tritium fuel cycle 10:57 - Thermonuclear weapons 13:33 - Inertial fusion energy 17:34...
"Lobsters" in space - new x-ray telescopes + first 3 missions (Longxia Yan 1, SVOM, SMILE)
zhlédnutí 17KPřed 2 lety
Reporting on a new type of space-based x-ray telescope based on the type of eye of the humble lobster (the Nephropidae family). This type of optic is now beginning to be launched to space to advance our knowledge of astrophysics. I also mention the Longxia Yan 1, SVOM and SMILE space missions, which use this type of optic. How optics work: czcams.com/video/O772SsMqjhY/video.html Contents 00:00 ...
In defense of "Q-plasma" - a response to Sabine Hossenfelder
zhlédnutí 71KPřed 2 lety
A response to a recent video by @SabineHossenfelder about gain in nuclear fusion research. References [1] “How close is nuclear fusion power?”, Sabine Hossenfelder czcams.com/video/LJ4W1g-6JiY/video.html [2] J. Jacquinot and the JET team “Deuterium-tritium operation in magnetic confinement experiments: results and underlying physics”, Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion 41, A13 (1999) [3] P. R...
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zhlédnutí 95KPřed 2 lety
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zhlédnutí 1,8MPřed 2 lety
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zhlédnutí 61KPřed 2 lety
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Komentáře

  • @8BitNaptime
    @8BitNaptime Před 4 hodinami

    But what if we use quantum computing to run a 3D printer using Bitcoins to buy AI-generated fusion reactor plans?

  • @MIchaelArlowe
    @MIchaelArlowe Před 8 hodinami

    Because we are now and forever will be 20 years away from having a fusion power plant.

  • @user-er5rr1gb6t
    @user-er5rr1gb6t Před 9 hodinami

    for AI this not even a task

  • @sammencia7945
    @sammencia7945 Před dnem

    I read this in Omni in 1978. It has ALWAYS been "just around the corner". Let's just build 200 nuclear fission reactors. Proven.

  • @vernonbrechin4207
    @vernonbrechin4207 Před dnem

    Thank you for producing this video. The vast majority of fusion experimenters and fan tend to have no interest in searching for such critical assessments of something that they've fallen in love with. Since this video was posted the ITER project has experienced further problems with major components that were being assembled to form the plasma confinement chamber. As a result it is unlikely this machine will achieve a 1H test plasma before the year 2030. Even before that it was hugely over its original budget and at least a decade behind its original schedule. Those, who work in such fields, in the more than a dozen experimental nuclear fusion energy research machines around the world, like the vast majority of the 8.0+ billion humans, tend to have become masterful in excluding the following warnings from their consciousness. I urge readers to search for the following two article titles. IPCC report: ‘now or never’ if world is to stave off climate disaster (TheGuardian) UN chief: World has less than 2 years to avoid 'runaway climate change' (TheHill) * This statement was made 5.5 years ago.

  • @bobbyaxelrod5959
    @bobbyaxelrod5959 Před dnem

    He’s a former not current. Not worth hearing their opinion.

  • @danijmartinez
    @danijmartinez Před 2 dny

    Holy cow this is a lot of info but very very very useful. Have been searching for a video like this for months!! Thank you. I'm going to have to watch it at least 6 more times to get a better understanding

    • @ImprobableMatter
      @ImprobableMatter Před 2 dny

      Thanks, that's high praise from someone with the UCI logo in their profile pic. I visited a few times when I did work with their plasma physics department.

  • @Datamining101
    @Datamining101 Před 2 dny

    All of this is true until the end, but ITER is a disgraceful waste of public money. Might as well pay Boeing for a launch vehicle…

  • @ALLISMIND
    @ALLISMIND Před 2 dny

    Your channel is fascinating! Please continue making videos <3

  • @tombouie
    @tombouie Před 3 dny

    Thks & over my head; Question, ?Would a good intuitive description of atomic particles frozen/localized light?

  • @010falcon
    @010falcon Před 4 dny

    We've seen breakthroughs we didn't expect in almost every industry alive today.

  • @Retired_Medic
    @Retired_Medic Před 4 dny

    Pretty much everyone who knows how big money and big business works, kine wthat fusion power was decades away and that all the recent hype was to get access to the funds to keep these scientists paid for the next 50 years. It's all about jobs.

  • @AlessandroPellarin
    @AlessandroPellarin Před 4 dny

    amazing video

  • @user-ov5nd1fb7s
    @user-ov5nd1fb7s Před 4 dny

    You might very well be right but when you are a former fusion scientist and currently not working in the field, I have my reservations.

  • @cluideman
    @cluideman Před 5 dny

    Looks like I won't be going back to the future in my 1982 Ford Fiesta any time soon

  • @Johannes_Brahms65
    @Johannes_Brahms65 Před 5 dny

    The narration sounds just like Dan Davis.

  • @soren6045
    @soren6045 Před 5 dny

    Great plots, as being not a physic idiot, I love plots showing relations of key parameters. As a advice anybody who does understand not the plots should not discuss.

  • @sorenstirling8795
    @sorenstirling8795 Před 5 dny

    Fantastic presentation. The issue is to divert money away from building already proven Fission designs, France has had automated waste processing since the 70s. If its not Fusion it will be Hyrdrogen or wind or more solar. The economic power of coal oil and gas has defeted the fission industry for 50 years.

  • @onlymansfans
    @onlymansfans Před 5 dny

    The US DOE achieved a breakthrough in fusion about a year ago. What do you think?

  • @LA-MJ
    @LA-MJ Před 5 dny

    I just knew it they are sketch and commented as much. Thanks for enlightening

  • @kevincarter2020
    @kevincarter2020 Před 5 dny

    A owl? A owl.

  • @TickyTack23
    @TickyTack23 Před 6 dny

    My biggest gripe about the fusion narrative, is whenever they describe break throughs of energy production, or crossing over the break even threshold, they are talking about the relative energy formulated on an equation. And as you described, there are energy losses from the conversion of thermal capture, to mechanical, then to electrical energy plus that electrical energy needs to cycle back to maintain the reaction, when we are already at a net loss. It's all smoke and mirrors right now.

  • @tinetannies4637
    @tinetannies4637 Před 6 dny

    Love these detailed informative videos. Thank you!

  • @koffeekage
    @koffeekage Před 6 dny

    Not with that attitude we wont.

  • @RealNotallGaming
    @RealNotallGaming Před 6 dny

    UK will be under sharia law 😂😂😂 Nuclear fusion??? A dream

  • @lashark06
    @lashark06 Před 6 dny

    Its supposed to be a wast of time and resources, if you want in industry to wast lots of time money and man power its brilliant!

  • @siddbastard
    @siddbastard Před 6 dny

    i think fusion is a spacebound, type 2 civ undertaking. i mean, it's cool to have goals, but we should get there by optimizing what earth can get us

  • @flotsamike
    @flotsamike Před 7 dny

    It looks like this technology could be used to activate Th232 into U233 and we could have two fantasy dreams support each other and finally realize the dream of . U 233 reactors . Of course the thorin would have to be somewhere in the way of the lithium that they plan to use to breed their own tritium which then they will decay to helium 3 or some such other thing . Simples!

  • @mikeprice5838
    @mikeprice5838 Před 7 dny

    What's your opinion on Helion's approach?

  • @johngore5127
    @johngore5127 Před 7 dny

    More flim flam to get the Venture Capitalists' attention. Maybe in a hundred years. Now we're talking Star Trek.

  • @lizziebutdiff698
    @lizziebutdiff698 Před 7 dny

    That kind of mindset and work ethic is why he is now a Former fusion scientist.

    • @ImprobableMatter
      @ImprobableMatter Před 7 dny

      My mindset and work ethic caused me to resign, send out adverts for my replacement, interview a candidate, spend weeks briefing them about the job? Yeah, I guess.

  • @t0rg3
    @t0rg3 Před 8 dny

    No mention of the stellarator, really?

    • @ImprobableMatter
      @ImprobableMatter Před 8 dny

      It is behind the tokamak in development and therefore certainly won't deliver fusion power before 2040.

  • @apantisit
    @apantisit Před 9 dny

    Thanks for the great details

  • @AliceB0
    @AliceB0 Před 9 dny

    Listening to scientists about the timeline of future tech development is like listening to an economist about upcoming stock values. You would assume they knew what they where talking about but yet they are never right. Accurately predicting tech requires an understanding of the tech and all problems on the road towards it. If we had that we would already have the tech.

  • @twocentcoop9683
    @twocentcoop9683 Před 9 dny

    Im hopeful, China and Korea have made huge advances just in the past 20 years with their EAST and KSTAR collectively (friendly reminder that it is China and Korea that have the most recent world records in terms of sustaining plasmas, not Britain or America).

  • @Yeet42069
    @Yeet42069 Před 9 dny

    The reason we won't have fusion power by 2040 is because it is always 20 years away perpetually. That means this year we will get it by 2044 and in 2025 by 2045. Its just how things work.

  • @igorigor5342
    @igorigor5342 Před 9 dny

    Why won't use nuclear explosions to propel rocket? It would give to much acceleration?

  • @JohnSmall314
    @JohnSmall314 Před 10 dny

    Surely the materials around the reactor are going to be damaged by high energy neutron bombardment. What's the research on materials that can withstand decades of being bashed by high energy neutrons?

  • @IanBLacy
    @IanBLacy Před 10 dny

    I’ve got to somewhat disagree on the chaos theory point. It’s not impossible to fully understand a complex system, just often impossibly impractical. You could absolutely build and successfully fly a starship without crashing any beforehand, you just have to do a stupid amount of math and simulation and unit tests, which no company is willing to pay engineers to do. Sometimes the reason we iterate is because we have no way to do otherwise, but far more often it’s because it’s simply the fastest way to reach our goal. An AI that is capable of reasoning about more things faster than humans are would be able to reach solutions without iteration in a practical amount of time.

  • @paulmicks7097
    @paulmicks7097 Před 10 dny

    I have trouble explaining these issues with fusion with friends and family, you know the one's that believe in light speed galaxy cruising... well same goes for many reality topics , well they say, " they said going to the moon would be impossible ! "

  • @paulmicks7097
    @paulmicks7097 Před 10 dny

    Well done ole bean !

  • @Sugar3Glider
    @Sugar3Glider Před 10 dny

    22:55 ♡⁠(⁠Ӧ⁠v⁠Ӧ⁠。⁠) oh lordy, look at that.

  • @Sugar3Glider
    @Sugar3Glider Před 10 dny

    "Divert me Daddy" ~Plasma, presuming it was interested in humanity achieving positive output.

  • @jraines002
    @jraines002 Před 10 dny

    “Get ready for some more butt numbers” is gonna be the new 5th slide in my startup pitch deck

  • @pablo_brianese
    @pablo_brianese Před 10 dny

    I didn't understand why a larger reactor can't be built. Linear cost and quadratic gain were shown as a function of size.

  • @Sugar3Glider
    @Sugar3Glider Před 10 dny

    Can i stare at the sun with solar eclipse glasses?

    • @ImprobableMatter
      @ImprobableMatter Před 10 dny

      If they're strong ones and from a reputable source. I heard there were many counterfeits out there last eclipse, so be careful!

  • @therationalcollection2999

    For me, the amazing thing is that fusion power seems completely reachable for humanity. What's terrible is some people use buzz words like fusion to justify why they don't need to worry about our lifestyle or the current state of energy production

  • @jimj2683
    @jimj2683 Před 11 dny

    Geothermal is the only real solution.

  • @Ruben-li4dt
    @Ruben-li4dt Před 11 dny

    Dear 😄I actually don't know your names, you explained the problems with fusion, you discussed a vallue about the amound of energy is garnered in for each unit expended of that same energy source. 'N-value' I believe you called it. - coal should have an 'N-vallue' of 4, oil of 6 (so every unit of oil expended can lead to returns of 6 times as much as exploited from nature. Could you make us a complete table of energy sources ranging from manpower to wood to solar and wind to coal gass/oil and then conventional nuclear and most important: thorium nuclear? I believe the Dutch name for the N-value unit is the ESRO, could you check if this is true? The reason why I ask is that a climate activist once explained to me that he believes that 'economic wealth equals ecological catastrophe' But then there's this guy who states that solar power actuall requires coal power to be used up, in order to heat an arc-furnace where coal would then be blended with quartz in order to generate finitely useful solar panels. Meanwhile, the Greens are claiming that solar power panels give energy forever (that last part at least, I know isn't true). We really need to be able to know more about this 'N-value' in order for us to prosper further, so I am asking you to start making us an informative movie about my suggestion here above.

  • @shake6321
    @shake6321 Před 11 dny

    this is welfare for nerds. fusion and hydrogen are the best technologies theoretically but since their discovery, humans have found less optimal but far more cheaper methods to produce and store energy: solar and lithium batteries. the issue is that fusion and hydrogen fans can’t lets go of their theoretical dreams even though engineering has told them they are fools for the last 50-75 years. this is welfare for nerds. why create a start to harness its energy when God has already created a star for you that you can harness with a solar pack anywhere? why convert electricity to hydrogen to carry it around only to convert it back to electricity when we have cheap and abundant lithium batteries that can carry electricity?