The "plasma ball" seen in the video is, I believe, an example of filamentation. Filamentation occurs when the intensity of the laser is so large that the laser actually causes the air it travels through to mimic a lens. This occurs because the laser heats up the air in a special way. In the end, the laser self-focuses, and becomes even more intense! Now, the laser's self-focusing also has to fight diffraction (the photons' desire to be spread apart from each other), but if the laser is strong enough, the light will cause the air to ionize, like the gas in a fluorescent lamp. Voila! "Plasma ball!"
Also notice in the video that the gun was supposedly purchased. That means there is someone out there who wants to use it for one of three purposes:
1) To use it for fun,
2) To use it for evil purposes,
3) Or to use it to accessorize a Star Wars costume.
Let's hope it's not #2. If the laser can filament, it can blind, burn, sear, scar, sting, zap, and tingle. Those laser issues at airports.... Well those might be just the beginning....
Oy. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteWell, here's a neat laser gun application... The last video on the page at:
ReplyDeletehttp://intellectualventureslab.com/?p=653
A bit smaller scale, but still weapon-like use of lasers.
I haven't seen anything about laser gun terrorism or anything. Mostly just news about the military investing in laser tech and airport incidents.
That's freakin' cool. I didn't realize DIY lasers had gotten to this point! I guess I need to add yet another project to my list. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteUh oh. Mad scientist in the making!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it is pretty neat, but just remember that lasers don't care if they are being pointed at good guys or bad guys. I had to go through a bunch of safety training to work with lasers. Just keep that in mind if you are a DIYer.