Slashdot Mirror
New Real Life Laser-Rifle Cuts Through Metal Like a Blowtorch
dryriver writes "We've seen real laser guns before pulling off tricks like starting small fires, or popping black balloons. That's cool, sure, but it's got nothing—on this handheld laser rifle. Developed by TWI this laser-cutter was initially designed for use by robots, but a few recent tweaks including a pistol-grip and a trigger made it into a human-sized rifle. It is designed specifically with nuclear decommission in mind, specifically chopping up huge pieces of metal infrastructure into bite-sized bits that are easily disposed of. And while it's definitely suited for that, it has some short-comings compared typical rifles. That range is pretty low, for instance, and it's not exactly mobile."
"Phased-plasma pulse rifle in 40-watt range".
If only...
WE don't have high energy portable power sources.
We really need to figure out an iron many style reactor to power the next generation of cool toys that we can dream but not really use.
Also, it should be able to operate in frickin' saltwater. In fact, the frickin' buoyancy might even help with the frickin' portability.
Escher was the first MC and Giger invented the HR department.
"You're going to need a bigger shark."
With the scattering from the air blast, I propose "laser boomstick".
I didn't see any light...
I would advise not to look at it with the other eye then.
“He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
I think you meant to say "I like big butts and I cannot lie."