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Highly Directional Terahertz Laser Demonstrated

Posted by kdawson on from the break-out-the-tinfoil-underware dept.

eldavojohn writes "A new paper published this week in the journal Nature Materials announces a successful demonstration of highly directional terahertz semiconductor lasers. You might not think it's a big deal that some Harvard and University of Leeds researchers (funded partially by the US Air Force) figured out how to better direct lasers; but this means the ability to see what's in someone's pockets and clothing, at a distance of possibly hundreds of meters, or farther. The big benefit is that they are lower in energy than X-Rays and are less invasive, since they cannot pass through water or metal. Coming soon to an airport near you or buzzing around on board a drone in civilian airspace?"

5 of 125 comments (clear)

  1. so it does not work with sharks? by Joe+The+Dragon · · Score: 5, Funny

    so it does not work with sharks?

  2. Re:Oh God by EdIII · · Score: 4, Funny

    So now airport security officers can see my genitals from hundreds of feet away?

    Even with that technology, I still don't think we will be able to find your genitalia. Sorry.

  3. Re:Oh God by Beardo+the+Bearded · · Score: 5, Funny

    Dude, I'm 33 years old. I'm married and I've got two kids.

    It has been years since anyone has been interested in my genitals, and I kind of miss the attention.

    --

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    ECHELON is a government program to find words like bomb, jihad, plutonium, assassinate, and anarchy.
  4. Re:Bogus info from Tired by Surt · · Score: 4, Funny

    So your claim is that the TSA cares enough about passenger wellfare to not plasmify their customers? I think you underestimate their devotion to providing a comfortable, pleasant travel experience.

    --
    "Who is the Journal of Quantum Physics going to believe?" --Stephen Hawking
  5. Watch out for perverts. by Mr2cents · · Score: 4, Funny

    With all those perverts around, my advice to beautiful women is to keep your T-shirt wet at all times.

    --
    "It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful." - Anton LaVey