The end of spark plugs?

[p.dath]

http://www.tgdaily.com/trendwatch-br...ustion-engines

The Japanese have developed a laser to replace spark plugs. It means there is no need for a coil or spark plugs. They reckon the lasers could last much longer than a spark plug.

But the bit I'm more interested in is they reckon they can improve the performance of the internal combustion engine further because the laser allows more precise ignition, including were the actual ignition occurs (since they can vary the focus of the laser) to a greater degree than what can be done with a spark plug.

I imagine it will take quite some time before engine management software is sufficiently married up with the lasers to get the best effect. I can also see a whole science developing about the "firing" within a single cylinder. The laser is fast, you could fire it four different times in four different places, to change the whole burn pattern. I imagine the fuel injection process itself could change as a result of this.

[Taz]

Gotta love "fricken Laser Beams".

[steve_t]

I wonder if the laser ignition will allow for more alternative fuel sources to be used

[Ocean1]

they reckon they can improve the performance of the internal combustion engine further because the laser allows more precise ignition, including were the actual ignition occurs (since they can vary the focus of the laser) to a greater degree than what can be done with a spark plug.

They're right, it's got significant potential in that regard. I'm interested in how they mean to keep the lenses clean, though.