if.....
There are technologies that need to be proved before laser spark plugs can realistically be adopted, Woodruff said. First, the diode laser pump must demonstrate that it can operate continuously for 10,000 hours, he said. Second, will the pressure barrier window/lens stay clean for 10,000 hours? The window is self-cleaning to some extent, in that each laser pulse cleans the window. If it holds up over the duration, it will then be competitive with electric spark for natural gas-fueled engines.