Difference between revisions of "Laser"
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A ''' | A '''laser''' (from the Acronym '''L'''ight '''A'''mplification by '''S'''timulated '''E'''mission of '''R'''adiation) is a device which produces a narrow, intense beam of electromagnetic radiation. A laser transfers energy to anything it strikes, and a sufficiently intense laser beam can burn through material. | ||
Theodore H. Maiman invented the first laser in 1960. Practical modern applications for lasers include reading and writing digital information, security systems, targeting devices on weapons, and precision cutting of certain materials. Several military organizations are researching laser weapons systems, but these are still in the R&D stage. | |||
== Lasers in Science Fiction == | == Lasers in Science Fiction == | ||
Weaponized lasers are common in science fiction, ranging from small arms to spacecraft scale weapons. | |||
Weaponized | |||
== External Links== | == External Links== | ||
*[http://ieee-virtual-museum.org/collection/people.php?id=1234591&lid=1] | |||
[http://ieee-virtual-museum.org/collection/people.php?id=1234591&lid=1] | |||
[[Category:Science]] | [[Category:Science]] | ||
[[Category:Real Technology]] | [[Category:Real Technology]] | ||
Revision as of 14:48, 23 December 2007
A laser (from the Acronym Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a device which produces a narrow, intense beam of electromagnetic radiation. A laser transfers energy to anything it strikes, and a sufficiently intense laser beam can burn through material.
Theodore H. Maiman invented the first laser in 1960. Practical modern applications for lasers include reading and writing digital information, security systems, targeting devices on weapons, and precision cutting of certain materials. Several military organizations are researching laser weapons systems, but these are still in the R&D stage.
Lasers in Science Fiction
Weaponized lasers are common in science fiction, ranging from small arms to spacecraft scale weapons.