Researchers Use Lasers For Cooling 132
MatthewVD writes "Infrared cameras on satellites and night vision goggles could soon use lasers to cool their components. According to the study published in Nature, researchers in Singapore were able to cool the semiconductor cadmium sulfide from 62 degrees fahrenheit to -9 degrees by focusing a green laser on it and making it fluoresce and lose energy as light. Since they require neither gas nor moving parts, they can be more compact, free from vibration and not prone to mechanical failure."
Re:Pff (Score:4, Interesting)
These pointer lasers are controlled items in many places because, aside from the obvious general hazard, morons deliberately point them at aircraft cockpits. Only occasionally do the fools get identified [abc.net.au] but it warms the cockles of my heart when they do: I am an amateur astronomer and have also been involved in the airborne end of this stupidity.