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Scientists Freeze Pulse Of Light

Posted by simoniker on from the mr-bigglesworth-looks-on dept.

Smitty825 writes "After slowing down light to slow speeds, scientists at Harvard University have been able to stop light for a very brief period of time without destroying its energy. The article explains how it is different from this previous light-stopping science story - this will hopefully help the development of quantum computers and ways to communicate over long distances without being eavesdropped on."

13 of 343 comments (clear)

  1. Who wants to stop light? by trentblase · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now if they could only figure out how to stop SPAM

  2. I can't wait for the future development... by Ratface · · Score: 5, Funny

    Imagine going out to a club and getting a frozen "light cube" in your drink which releases a stream of photons as it melts.

    Could bring a whole new dimesnion to the humble Tequila Sunrise huh?

    --

    A little planning goes a long way...
    1. Re:I can't wait for the future development... by trentblase · · Score: 4, Funny

      "thrust me"

      Is that going to be your pickup line at said bar?

  3. Stopped light... by surstrmming · · Score: 5, Funny

    Makes me think of a physics joke.

    Q: What is the difference between stopped light and darkness?

    A: You know where darkness is.

    1. Re:Stopped light... by ripleymj · · Score: 5, Funny

      "If this sticker appears blue, you're driving too fast." --A red bumpersticker

  4. Speaking of light and darkness... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Here's a quote from Terry Pratchett you might like:

    "Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it."

  5. Darn darn darn by pikkumyy · · Score: 5, Funny

    Why were there no pictures of this stopped light? .. oh wait

  6. Reminds me of another physics joke... by raehl · · Score: 5, Funny

    Officer: "Do you know how fast you were going?"

    Heisenberg: "No, but I know exactly where I am!"

    --
    paintball
  7. Finally by UezeU · · Score: 5, Funny

    We have the technology to create a lightsaber. I know what I'm asking Santa for Christmas now.

  8. The light particle was never frozen by CrystalFalcon · · Score: 4, Funny

    It was just slashdotted, and completely unable to move under the load.

  9. Let there be light, baby. by Channard · · Score: 5, Funny
    Is that going to be your pickup line at said bar?

    What's wrong with 'Does this smell like chloroform to you?'

    As for the frozen light, I'm thinking this will herald a new line in novelty items of the type sold at Spencer Gifts, only to be shoved in a cupboard two days later and never seen again.

  10. Free energy! by Channard · · Score: 4, Funny
    According to the Slashdot summary, it is apparently possible to destroy energy!!! Issac Newton may turn in his grave...

    And if we can hook him up to a dynamo and a generator, we've got free energy sorted. Truly, this is an age of wonders.

  11. No, no by vjzuylen · · Score: 4, Funny

    They've got it all backwards. They're supposed to be working on a way to increase the speed of light. How else are we going to accomplish a practical form of interstellar travel?

    --

    Hee-hee. Dying tickles!