A laser may be used to ignite combustion in a cylinder.
http://www.laserfocusworld.com/disp...f-automotive-laser-ignition-research-with-For
http://www.liv.ac.uk/researchintelligence/issue36/laserignition.htm
Ignoring the political B.S...there are some intriguing aspects to a laser based ignition.
http://www.laserfocusworld.com/disp...f-automotive-laser-ignition-research-with-For
http://www.liv.ac.uk/researchintelligence/issue36/laserignition.htm
July 20, 2009--Following collaborative work with Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, MI) and GSI Group (Rugby, England), engineers at The University of Liverpool (England) have reported encouraging results in their quest for laser ignition (LI) in automobile engines. The approach offers the potential to address both increased fuel efficiency and reduced levels of harmful emissions. This month the team is embarking on the next phase of the research to develop LI systems for next-generation car engines based on efficient, downsized gasoline direct injection (GDI) technologies. The work is funded by the Carbon Trust, an independent company established by the UK government to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy.
Ignoring the political B.S...there are some intriguing aspects to a laser based ignition.