Question

What are air lenses in nuclear bombs? Every website mentioning them just mentions them & doesn't tell what they are. They were used in the Swan device. And please define what they are--don't tell about the Nagasaki & Hiroshima bombs.

Answer 1

Air lenses in nuclear bombs refer to the use of gases such as helium, neon, and xenon to create a high-pressure area around the nuclear core. This high-pressure area reflects the energy released by the explosion back towards the core, which results in a more complete and powerful nuclear reaction. The air lens technique was developed as a way to increase the yield of nuclear explosions without the need for additional materials or larger bombs. The Swan device was a British nuclear weapon design that utilized an air lens for increased efficiency.