LOS ANGELES, May 29 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday joined the dedication ceremony of the world's largest laser system.

    The governor's office said the governor returned to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Northern California to celebrate the economic, energy and research advances that will come from the world's largest, highest-energy laser system.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks to the media on May 20, 2009 in this photo released by the Office of the Governor. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    After 12 years of construction and preparation, the laser system -- the National Ignition Facility (NIF) -- can create temperatures and pressures found only in the core of stars, giant planets and inside nuclear weapons, according to the LLNL.

    "This laser system is an incredible success not just for California, but for our country and our world," said Schwarzenegger. "NIF has the potential to revolutionize our energy system -- teaching us a new way to harness the energy of the sun to power our cars and homes. California was the home of the first working laser, so it is no surprise that the Golden State has now produced the world's largest and most powerful one."

    The NIF's 192 giant lasers are housed in a 10-story building the size of three football fields, and when focused on a hydrogen-filled target the size of a BB can create temperatures and pressures higher than those at the center of the sun.

    By advancing fusion technology, this laser system will help unlock the potential for a clean, carbon-free, limitless and environment-friendly energy source, while maintaining and enhancing the United States' nuclear capabilities without nuclear testing.

    California's economy will continue to benefit from the investments in NIF, Schwarzenegger said, adding that the laser system supports 1,000 high-tech science and technology jobs in California and products from more than 800 California vendors have been purchased to build it.

    "By next year, NIF will have spent more than 2 billion dollars in the state, putting money into our economy when we need it most," said the governor.

    Schwarzenegger previously visited the LLNL in November 2008 to receive a national security briefing and visit the nearly completed NIF.