Re: X-ray lasers
In reply to #4404 Xray Lasers by bryan borich
bryan borich [email removed] writes: > >From Clay Bush: > > X-RAY LASERS > ============ > ... > Thus, characters can improvise the "one-shot laser weapon" by altering a > device (defeating safeguards) and burning out its crystals. These are always > one-shot devices. How about cartridge-firing lasers? Each cartridge contains a crystal, plus anything else that is expended in one shot. You only get a few shots compared to the hundreds of a normal laser, but more powerful shots - sort of like a .44 magnum revolver has fewer shots than a water pistol. > EFFECTIVENESS > ============= > The wider wavelength limits penetration: X-ray lasers would be ineffective > below 100 km in the Earth's orbit. (Limits use in planetary bombardment, and > cannot be used in thin or thicker atmospheres.) Does this also rule out x-ray lasers as hand-held weapons, or make them short range weapons like plasma guns? - -- "Keyboard? How quaint!" - M. Scott Adrian Hurt | JANET: [email removed] UUCP: ..!ukc!cs.hw.ac.uk!adrian | ARPA: [email removed]