First light for Jefferson Lab's new Free Electron Laser (FEL) was a record-breaking success last month as the laser delivered infrared light of 155 watts--15 times more powerful than any existing free electron laser.

The FEL, a major spin-off technology for the Lab, produced this world record on June 17--only two years after construction began on the new laser and the building that houses it.

Lab staff and FEL consortium members alike are delighted with the laser's first run. "My sincere congratulations! We are happy to receive the great news. Looking forward to the next history making news!" writes Joung Cook, FEL Contract Manager from the Naval Research Laboratory.

"Your success is so regularly phenomenal that people will start to expect miracles," comments Heidi Reis, Director of the Center for Materials Research at Norfolk State University and a member of the FEL consortium.

At a first light celebration held in the Applied Research Center June 18, Lab Director Hermann Grunder congratulated everyone who worked to bring the FEL to reality. He recognized the intense efforts of the core FEL team and the outstanding support provided across the lab. "The success we celebrate today belongs to the entire lab. Resources and people throughout the lab were needed to develop the FEL," he said.

FEL Program Manager Fred Dylla applauded everyone who worked on the project, "It was a difficult project and I thank everyone for their perseverance and support."

Congratulations came in from all over the world as news of the event traveled. The Director of the Office of Energy Research, Dr. Martha Krebs, sent a congratulatory message that read: "Once again...your colleagues have demonstrated...outstanding technical and management talents in this remarkable achievement."

Local reporters from the Daily Press, Richmond Times and Virginian Pilot were on hand to record the event for all of Virginia; while the Associated Press spread the story across the United States.

FEL staff and press witness record-making 155 watts

Development of this laser holds potential for scientific research, developing new manufacturing processes and creating new and improved consumer products, as well as defense applications. Once the FEL is fully developed, it could be a cost-effective, high-volume manufacturing tool capable of processing synthetic fibers, metals and advanced materials and be of use as a basic research tool.

For example: At low cost, the FEL could improve polyester--a major material on the world's fiber market. While polyester is durable and easy to clean, it lacks natural texture (or feel) and appearance. Laser light can be used to "micro-roughen" the fiber--leaving the polyester with a natural-fiber look and feel while keeping its other positive qualities.

Initial experimental users include DuPont (polymer processing) and Armco/Northrop-Grumman/Virginia Power (metals processing) who will conduct experiments in the next several months.

Even with first light behind them, the FEL team did not take a break. They are already pushing toward their next goal: to complete the installation and commissioning of components that will take the FEL from its current high of 155 watts to a new record of 1000 watts by this fall.

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Updated June 27, 2003