lasers
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Scientists Propose Putting A Laser On The ISS To Blast Space Junk
Millions of pieces of space junk, big and small, are constantly circling the Earth. This intractable problem has inspired many a grandiose idea, but perhaps none as initially bizarre-sounding as a laser on the International Space Station, a real scheme recently proposed by Japanese scientists.
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This Is The World’s Highest Peak-Power Laser Diode Array
Researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have created the world’s highest peak-power laser diode array, capable of creating up to 3.2 megawatts. The new device will be used in Europe’s new Extreme Light facility, which will be as badass as it sounds.
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Reagan’s Star Wars Missile Program Had Its Own Video Game
Remember US President Ronald Reagan’s plan for space weapons in the 1980s? Today, it’s little more than a punchline, but it used to be serious business. How serious? Video game serious. Yes, there really was an SDI video game, and thanks to the Internet Archive you can even play it.
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Inventor Of The Laser Dies
Charles Townes, the physicist whose work would help lay the foundations for the development of the laser died today. He was 99. His career also ranged far beyond an interest in lasers, into astronomy and a fascination with spirituality.