Core Viewpoint - The University of Michigan has developed the world's most powerful laser device, named ZEUS, with a peak power of 2 petawatts (PW), which is capable of releasing energy equivalent to over 100 times the total power output of all global power plants [1][3][24] Group 1: Laser Technology and Capabilities - ZEUS laser can release energy in extremely short bursts (on the order of femtoseconds), achieving a power density close to 10²² watts per square centimeter [5][6] - The system can create plasma storms and simulate conditions near black holes, pushing the boundaries of human understanding of energy and vacuum [8][12] - The laser's primary goal is to explore strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED), allowing for the observation of phenomena that were previously nearly impossible to detect [8][10] Group 2: Applications and Future Prospects - ZEUS aims to revolutionize particle acceleration, potentially replacing traditional large-scale accelerators with compact plasma wave acceleration techniques [10] - The ultimate goal includes using the laser for controlled nuclear fusion, providing a key to breakthroughs in energy generation [10][12] - Future plans for ZEUS involve simulating extreme physical environments from the early universe, such as gamma-ray bursts and quark plasma [12][24] Group 3: Technical Specifications and Funding - The ZEUS system is designed using chirped pulse amplification (CPA) technology, which allows for significant power output without damaging the equipment [14][16] - The project has received over $180 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and is considered a national strategic scientific facility [16] - The core laser chamber is compact, comparable to a classroom, but is heavily fortified to maintain operational integrity [16][19]