Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about thorium-based laser power systems, our technology, and the future of clean energy.
General Questions
What is Laser Power Systems?
Laser Power Systems (LPS) is an energy technology company founded in 2007 that has spent over 20 years developing revolutionary thorium-based laser power generation systems. We've created compact, safe, clean power systems that can replace fossil fuels and conventional nuclear power across all applications.
Is this real or just a concept?
This is real, proven technology. We've built and tested multiple working prototypes from 5 kW to 2.5 MW. Our systems have been evaluated by the United States Air Force and other partners. This isn't theoretical - it's operational technology ready for commercialization.
When will this be available?
With proper investment capital, we project:
- 3-6 months to complete commercial prototype systems
- 6-12 months to begin small-scale manufacturing
- 12-24 months for large-scale production
Technology Questions
How does it work?
Our MaxFelaser (Maximum Fission Energy Laser) system uses high-energy lasers to activate thorium-232 fuel. The laser-controlled reaction releases heat, which is converted to steam, which drives our Tesla turbines and high-speed generators to produce electricity. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, the reaction only continues while the laser is active, providing precise control and inherent safety.
What is thorium?
Thorium-232 is a naturally occurring element found in Earth's crust. It's 3-4 times more abundant than uranium and can be used as nuclear fuel when activated. It's been largely overlooked for energy production, but offers significant advantages over uranium including better safety, less waste, and inability to be weaponized.
How much energy does thorium produce?
One metric ton of thorium produces as much energy as:
- 2,000,000 short tons of coal
- 3,500,000 barrels of oil
- 400,000,000 cubic meters of natural gas
- 11 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity (at 50% efficiency)
What is a Tesla turbine?
A Tesla turbine is a bladeless turbine invented by Nikola Tesla. Instead of blades, it uses smooth disks. Steam flows between the disks, transferring energy through friction and viscosity. They're simpler, more compact, and require less maintenance than conventional bladed turbines.
How big are the systems?
Our systems are remarkably compact:
- 2.5 MW system: 28" × 21" × 24", 360 lbs (1/10th size of conventional)
- Residential (5-30 kW): About the size of a large water heater
- Industrial (1.2 MW+): Still far smaller than conventional equivalents
Safety Questions
Is this safe?
Yes, extremely safe. Our systems are inherently safe, meaning the physics of the system prevents accidents:
- No meltdown possible: Reaction stops when laser stops
- No chain reaction: Cannot sustain reaction without laser
- Atmospheric pressure: No explosion risk
- Walk-away safe: Automatically shuts down if unattended
- Minimal fuel: Small quantities limit potential release
- Passive cooling: Natural convection, no pumps needed
What about radiation?
Like any nuclear technology, there is some radiation, but it's minimal and well-contained:
- Shielding built into compact design
- No more radiation than natural background levels outside unit
- Much less than flying in an airplane or medical X-rays
- Thorium produces far less radioactive waste than uranium
- Waste decays to safe levels in 300 years (vs. 10,000+ for uranium)
Could this be used to make weapons?
No. Thorium cannot be used to create nuclear weapons. The uranium-233 produced is contaminated with uranium-232, which makes it unsuitable for weapons and easy to detect. This is one of the key safety advantages of thorium.
What happens if there's an accident?
The system is designed so accidents cannot occur:
- Loss of power? System naturally shuts down
- Operator leaves? Walk-away safe design activates
- Cooling failure? Passive cooling continues working
- Earthquake or damage? Reaction automatically stops
Environmental Questions
Does this produce greenhouse gases?
No. Zero CO2 or other greenhouse gases during operation. The only emissions are from manufacturing and construction, same as solar panels or wind turbines.
What about nuclear waste?
Thorium produces dramatically less waste than uranium:
- 1/1000th the long-lived radioactive waste
- Waste decays to safe levels in ~300 years vs. 10,000+
- Smaller volume easier to store and manage
- Some isotopes are valuable for medical/industrial use
- Can actually consume existing nuclear waste as fuel
How does this compare to solar and wind?
Complementary but different:
- Baseload Power: We provide 24/7 power, they're intermittent
- Land Use: We use far less land per energy produced
- Reliability: Weather independent vs. weather dependent
- Storage: We don't need batteries
- Capacity Factor: 90%+ vs. 20-40% for solar/wind
Cost Questions
How much does it cost?
Costs vary by size and application:
- Capital Cost: 50% less than conventional nuclear
- Operating Cost: Minimal maintenance, cheap fuel
- Electricity Cost: Less than $0.01 per kilowatt-hour
- Lifetime Cost: Lowest of any energy source
What's the payback period?
Depends on application:
- Industrial: 2-4 years
- Commercial: 3-5 years
- Residential: 5-8 years
- Remote locations: 1-2 years (vs. diesel generators)
- Transportation: Immediate (fuel savings)
How long do they last?
Designed for 30+ years of operation with minimal maintenance. The main maintenance is turbine bearings, which are standard components. Thorium fuel lasts for decades without refueling.
Application Questions
Can this power my home?
Yes! Our 5-30 kW residential systems can power an entire home including:
- All appliances and lighting
- Heating and air conditioning
- Electric vehicle charging
- Pool and spa equipment
- Everything you currently use electricity for
You would essentially never pay an electric bill again after installation.
Can this power cars and vehicles?
Yes. Our systems are being designed for integration into vehicles:
- Electric cars with unlimited range
- Trucks that never need refueling
- Ships operating for decades without refueling
- Aircraft with extended range
- Spacecraft for deep space missions
What about boats and ships?
Ideal for marine applications:
- Cargo ships can operate for decades between refueling
- No sulfur emissions (meeting new maritime regulations)
- Reduced fuel storage space frees up cargo capacity
- Lower operating costs than diesel
- Quieter operation
Can it replace coal and gas power plants?
Absolutely. In fact, our systems can retrofit existing power plants:
- Use existing turbines and generators
- Use existing cooling infrastructure
- Use existing transmission connections
- Eliminate fuel supply chain
- Eliminate emissions
- Reduce operating costs
Business Questions
Who founded the company?
Laser Power Systems was founded in 2007 by a team of nuclear physicists, laser scientists, and energy industry veterans. The company has offices in Sturbridge, Massachusetts and Bethel, Connecticut.
Who are your investors?
We're currently seeking our first major institutional investment round. We've been funded through private capital, government research contracts, and strategic partnerships during our development phase.
Are you publicly traded?
Not yet. We're a private company currently seeking growth capital. An IPO is a potential exit strategy for investors in the 5-7 year timeframe after investment.
Can I invest?
We're seeking institutional investors with minimum investments of $250 million over 3 years. For investment inquiries, call 508-688-2995 or visit our Investors page.
Can I buy a system now?
We're currently in pre-commercialization. With investment capital secured, production units will be available within 12-24 months. You can express interest by contacting us at 508-688-2995.
Do you offer franchises or licensing?
We're open to strategic partnerships, licensing agreements, and manufacturing partnerships in various markets. Contact us to discuss opportunities.
Comparison Questions
How is this different from conventional nuclear?
Major differences:
- Size: 1/10th the size
- Safety: Inherently safe, no meltdown possible
- Waste: 1/1000th the radioactive waste
- Fuel: Thorium vs. uranium
- Cost: 50% lower capital costs
- Speed: Weeks to deploy vs. years
- Control: Laser-controlled vs. control rods
What about Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?
We share some advantages with SMRs (smaller, modular), but we're different:
- Even more compact (we're 1/10th conventional size)
- Use thorium instead of uranium
- Laser-controlled instead of conventional chain reaction
- Even safer due to inherent design
- Faster to deploy and install
- Lower costs
How does this compare to fusion?
Fusion is still experimental and faces huge challenges:
- Fusion: Not yet achieved net positive energy
- Us: Working systems proven
- Fusion: Requires extreme temperatures and magnetic confinement
- Us: Operates at modest temperatures
- Fusion: Decades away from commercialization
- Us: Ready for commercialization now
Technical Questions
What efficiency do you achieve?
Our systems convert thermal energy to electrical energy at 50% efficiency using advanced Tesla turbine technology. This is comparable to or better than conventional power systems.
What is the capacity factor?
Over 90%. Our systems can operate continuously 24/7 for years, only stopping for scheduled maintenance. This is far higher than solar (20-25%) or wind (30-40%).
How is power output controlled?
The laser power directly controls the reaction rate. Increase laser power = more reaction = more heat = more electricity. It's precise and instantaneous, much better than conventional nuclear or fossil fuel systems.
What are the maintenance requirements?
Minimal:
- Primary maintenance is turbine bearings (standard components)
- No complex reactor vessel maintenance
- No fuel rod replacements (thorium lasts decades)
- No cooling system complexity
- Estimated annual downtime: Less than 1 week
Regulatory Questions
Is this legal?
Yes. Our technology falls under nuclear energy regulations, which we fully comply with. Our inherent safety features actually simplify the regulatory approval process compared to conventional nuclear.
What approvals are needed?
Requirements vary by application and location:
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the US
- Environmental impact assessments
- Local permitting and zoning
- Safety certifications
Our design's inherent safety features significantly streamline these processes.
Can I install this myself?
No. Due to the nuclear nature of the technology, installation requires trained and certified personnel. We provide complete turnkey installation services.
Still Have Questions?
📞 Call us: 508-688-2995 📧 Email: [email protected] 📄 Contact form: Visit our Contact page
We're happy to answer any questions about our technology, applications, or opportunities!