Questions tagged [lasers]
Questions about monochromatic, coherent light sources working by stimulated emission.
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Exploring the Feasibility of Laser-Based Ram Scoops Powered by Micro Black Holes [closed]
Ram scoop ships are a well-loved element of hard science fiction, typically employing magnetic fields to harvest interstellar gas. However, this concept often grapples with practical issues like drag ...
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Can we combine a laser with a gauss rifle to get a cinematic 'laser rifle'?
So, I've been trying to think of ways to have a sci-fi "laser beam" in a setting that at least gives a fig leaf of realism. After reading through many other posts here it's become clear that ...
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Effects if a human was shot by a femtosecond laser
Laser guns in science fiction are extremely common to the point of being a common cliche. According to atomic rockets lasers would be much more effective as pulsed lasers compared to continous-wave ...
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Laser finger guns
This is not really connected to my story but I had an idea of having finger guns that actually work. Because lasers are cool I thought that you could have a character with the ability to magically ...
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Could black holes be used to warp a laser transmission back to the point of origin?
I had an idea, in which humanity sends signals out (via Laser Communication), in a search for extraterrestrial life. As a result of gravitational lensing, the laser signals are eventually turned back ...
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Could laser collisions be used as an interstellar dust deflector?
What inspired this question is this : I was once reading that a real effort is underway to dream up a 0.2c spaceship (0.2c means one fifth the speed of light). Another story I read tells that ...
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What would the effects of a space based laser weapon system capable of tracking and destroying any projectile posing a threat to human life?
Imagine a constellation of satellites equipped with sensors capable of identifying any object posing a risk to humans and targeting it with lasers to neutralize it. The constellation covers the entire ...
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Is a world laser possible?
Right now, I am developing a weapon of mass destruction dubbed 'The World Laser'. Basically, the antagonist is trying to destroy the world completely by cutting it in half in a singular motion using a ...
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Thermal Superconductors vs Pulse Lasers...in atmosphere
Based of a conversation with @Starfish Prime regarding the answers from this question here.
In short, while the question itself had a satisfactory answer with it being that pulse lasers would ...
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Thermal Superconductors vs Pulse Lasers
How well can a thermal superconductor protect against pulse lasers?
First off, what is a thermal superconductor? It is a material that has a theoretical infinite thermal conductivity, similar to what ...
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Can lenses defend against lasers in space combat?
You have a spaceship, covered in steel armor. The enemy is shooting a laser at you in pulses intense enough to vaporize the steel. But you have a brilliant idea: float a big glass lens in front of ...
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How to protect against laser blinding warfare?
Here is the problem:
You have a spaceship, with cameras and view ports, and there is a new laser technique going around: Simply shoot cameras with your laser, and blind anyone who tries to peer ...
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Viability of lasers in space [duplicate]
Specifically, if lasers were to be used as a weapon, or as a mining tool, for a spaceship, would it be at all practical? Most spaceships in my world are made of aluminum and/or titanium, at least ...
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Why is my laser’s effectiveness dependent on the target material?
This is for a moderately hard sci-if (as in, as real as I can get it, minus FTL & humanoid aliens)
Side B has been captured by Side A, in order to get them to fight Side C. But Side B has a plan, ...
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Would a laser resistant (heavily heat resistant?) armour for space ships have unfortunate consequences and would it still have to deal with heat?
Basically, I want to decisively put an end to any idea that lasers could be used in my space combat in any large degree. One of the solutions I've thought of is a world having advanced armour (either ...
