The issue isnt power, but power density

Space/Science » in reply to re: Lasers as a terrorist weapon

R.L. — 9/30/2004 6:12:46 PM (archived)

Larry,
A 20 milliwatt laser could do serious damage, if all of that light were directed into the pupil of some ones eye. A one Watt laser could just be 'really bright' if spread over a 10 meter spot... you have to look at power density. In my scenario I used a high power laser in order to make the weapon a sure kill... a large spot with high power density.

The whole thread (16 posts)

Lasers as a terrorist weapon - R.L. - 9/30/2004 4:36:52 AM
- Much more detailed article on Utah incident - R.L. - 9/30/2004 8:02:48 PM
  - You can bet anyone using LIDAR in that area is getting questioned! - R.L. - 10/1/2004 5:42:09 AM
- More on the Utah laser incident - R.L. - 9/30/2004 6:04:00 PM
- re: Lasers as a terrorist weapon - Larry J - 9/30/2004 5:37:14 PM
  - You could buy a laser that could cause eye damage farly cheaply - R.L. - 9/30/2004 6:23:10 PM
  - The issue isnt power, but power density - R.L. - 9/30/2004 6:12:46 PM
    - A sure kill like you describe wouldn't be necessary - Larry J - 10/1/2004 12:04:36 AM
      - No, maybe not neccessary, but... - R.L. - 10/1/2004 3:40:57 AM
  - Watts up Larry? - et - 9/30/2004 5:46:29 PM
    - Yeah... - SDAI-Tech1 - 9/30/2004 8:02:26 PM
- Laser injures Delta pilot's eye - Jack Herer - 9/30/2004 2:15:10 PM
  - re: Laser injures Delta pilot's eye - korte - 10/17/2004 4:27:18 PM
    - Tornadoes are hard to pilot.... - R.L. - 10/18/2004 3:53:53 AM
  - Homework assignment Jack. - et - 9/30/2004 5:48:30 PM
  - First, this was discussed below - R.L. - 9/30/2004 5:08:10 PM

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The whole thread (16 posts)