An experiment using Vulcan to create tiny versions of supernova explosions in the laboratory has been listed by Physics World as one of the top 10 science breakthroughs of the year. The experiment, led by Gianluca Gregori and Jena Meinecke of the University of Oxford used the Vulcan laser to explore turbulent amplification of magnetic fields in laser-produced shocks, believed to be the reason behind synchrotron emission from the remnants of the supernova Cassiopeia A.
ESA’s Rosetta space mission was named Breakthrough of the Year. Also in the top ten was the “scientific” breakeven at NIF (the National Ignition Facility) - another hugely impressive achievement for high energy density science.
More information
Full Physics World Top 10 (link opens in a new window)
Physics World: Lasers ignite supernovae in the lab (link opens in a new window)
CLF news story: CLF's Vulcan laser used to mimic magnetic field amplification in supernova remnants (link opens in a new window)
