Liquid carbon made for first time with high-power lasers, could advance nuclear fusion

Scientists have created liquid carbon using high-power lasers, a breakthrough with implications for nuclear fusion technology. With its 4,500°C melting point, liquid carbon could serve as a cooling agent and neutron moderator in fusion reactors. The team used the DiPOLE 100-X laser to liquefy carbon samples while capturing X-ray diffraction patterns. This achievement advances the study of extreme matter states and fusion reactor concepts.