Members of industry are preparing these various devices for field testing. Researchers at UCLA have shown that the plasma conditions in the ionosphere can be modified by ground based solid state lasers. This could potentially help reduce the problem of ozone depletion in the atmosphere caused by CFCs. Inc. La Jolla, California 92038-2946. In the past, Professor Martin Gundersen from the University of Southern California helped to develop electron plasma beams for the Department of Defense's 'Star Wars Program'.
Diesel exhaust is one of the largest and most hazardous sources of air pollution in California.
In 1998, federal regulation will reduce the maximum level of nitrogen oxides by 20 percent, making it difficult for existing technologies to keep up. Therefore, the new device could play a key role in ensuring low emission levels. Part of the funding for Gunderson's research comes from the Navy, since it hopes to reduce the pollution of diesel-powered warships. The plasma reactor has been successfully tested with a Volkswagen Rabbit and could also be used in trucks, buses and trains. It can be installed in existing engines without any modifications.