- Home
- lasers
lasers
Scientists use powerful lasers to divert lightning bolts
Using lasers to divert potentially damaging lightning strikes may sound like science fiction, but some clever folks in Switzerland have apparently done it.
U.S. military is developing a sound weapon that sounds like a retro modem
The Department of Defense is developing a sound weapon which happens to sound just like an old dial-up modem.
Stanford’s laser tech could help self-driving cars see around blind corners
Stanford University researchers have created new laser-based imaging technology that could be used to help autonomous cars see around corners.
Your future pair of Levi’s could be made by lasers
Levi Strauss is turning to laser technology to make distressed jeans via a new process that reduces the company's impact on the environment.
New wireless charging tech juices your phone from across the room using lasers
Engineers at the University of Washington have developed a technique for charging your phone from across the room using lasers.
7 Exotic technologies that were once science fiction, but now exist in reality
It’s no big surprise that engineers and scientists working in cutting edge tech are often inspired by science fiction. Here are seven examples of sci-fi gadgets engineers helped bring to life.
A new hologram generator uses a tractor beam and lasers to make 3D images
Scientists at Brigham Young University have found a way to create amazing 3D holograms in mid-air by using lasers and a tractor beam that manipulates near-invisible particles in the air.
The next thing for treating Parkinson’s symptoms could be … laser shoes?
It may sound unlikely, but special shoes equipped with laser pointer guides can help patients with Parkinson's disease to get moving ahead.
Experimental 3D printer uses laser holograms to crank out objects quickly
3D printing as we know it could be about to change! A new technique uses laser beams to fabricate 3D-printed structures in just seconds.
Birds eating your crops? $10k laser turrets will solve that problem
After its crop of blueberries were decimated by hungry birds last year, one Oregon farm decided to bring in laser guns as modern scarecrows.
Beacon Helmet uses laser markings to light the way for cyclists
Thousands of cyclists are killed on the road each year. Beacon is a new cycling helmet that hopes to help -- and it's using lasers to do it.
The easiest way to take graphene into the third dimension? Use a laser on it
Researchers have found a way to forge the 2D wonder material graphene into three-dimensional shapes by using a focused laser beam.
Forget floss, this dental procedure rejuvenates your teeth with a laser
Gum disease has been linked with a host of nasty diseases. This innovative laser surgery, which removes damaged tissue, could help.
Scientists are testing a Photonic Fence that fights mosquitos with lasers
The Photonic Fence uses cameras to scan for pests within 100 meters. When one is found, it shoots a laser, killing it within 25 milliseconds.
Two unconventional tools help researchers detect buried land mines
Researchers have developed an innovative new method for detecting buried land mines using lasers and fluorescent bacteria.
Scientists use lasers to detect weapons-grade uranium from miles away
Researchers have turned Mars Rover tech towards chemical weapons, using lasers to detect weapons-grade uranium at a distance.
BAE Systems wants to use lasers to create energy-scattering deflector shields
The Laser Developed Atmospheric Lens (LDAL) project plans to alter the Earth’s atmosphere to turn it into a range of different optic tools.
SnapSkan speed bumps will scan your tires, tell you when they're bald
Finnish tire company Nokian has developed a smart new service which uses laser-scanning 3D technology to measure the tread depth of car tires.
Laser tracking of blood-enhanced dye shows promise for cancer detection
Not happy with the current crop of diagnostic tools, a team of scientists have developed a blood-based laser that someday may be used to detect cancer.
Researchers develop next-gen laser based on fluorescent jellyfish proteins
Researchers have demonstrated the world’s first polariton laser based on lab-grown, fluorescent jellyfish proteins.
Crop-eating Canada geese meet their nemesis — a laser-wielding scarecrow
The latest tool in a farmer's arsenal against crop-eating Canada geese? A high-tech, laser-wielding scarecrow that'll send the birds skyward.
This laser-powered drum machine rips through beats like The Death Star did Alderaan
A Russian artist has created a laser-powered drum machine which uses seven red lasers, four arduinos, and many fans to create rad blips, bloops, and pops.
The Pentagon looks to laser-equipped UAVs to resurrect its anti-ballistic missile program
After suspending a chemical laser anti-ballistic missile program in 2012, the Pentagon now wants to put electric lasers on UAVs to down ballistic missiles.