The end of the classic spark plug?

[NeptuneGTR]

What’s the News: Scientists have developed a laser that’s small and tough enough to work in the combustion engine of a vehicle yet powerful enough to ignite the fuel-air mixture that drives combustion cylinders. The researchers say that laser-ignited combustion engines could be more fuel efficient than traditional spark-plug ones: Unlike spark plugs, which transmit their sparks in milliseconds, lasers transmit energy within nanoseconds. Inventor Takunori Taira says that “timing—quick combustion—is very important. The more precise the timing, the more efficient the combustion and the better the fuel economy.”

I could see this being used in motorsports fairly soon, because longevity isn't really that big of a deal. The developers are already working with Denso, witch I think Is perrty big.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2011/04/26/new-laser-igniter-might-be-beginning-of-the-end-for-classic-spark-plug/

[nelsonmxmarc]

Awesome! Good read That is really interesting..

[Spencer87]

Sounds sweet! Interested in seeing what comes from it. Nice find.