Fusion by Laser

1971:

In June 1971, almost one year after the formal establishment of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, an article entitled “Fusion by Laser” appeared in Scientific American authored by Moshe J. Lubin (LLE Director at that time) and Arthur P. Frass of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The summary for this article states: “Experiments indicate that energy-releasing fusion reactions can be initiated, and to some extent, controlled without a confining magnetic field by focusing a powerful laser on a frozen pellet of fuel.”

M. J. Lubin and A. P. FrassFusion by LaserSci. Am. 224 (6) 21–33 (1971).

A conceptual laser-fusion reactor is shown here.