Highly Directional Terahertz Laser Demonstrated 125
eldavojohn writes "A new paper published this week in the journal Nature Materials announces a successful demonstration of highly directional terahertz semiconductor lasers. You might not think it's a big deal that some Harvard and University of Leeds researchers (funded partially by the US Air Force) figured out how to better direct lasers; but this means the ability to see what's in someone's pockets and clothing, at a distance of possibly hundreds of meters, or farther. The big benefit is that they are lower in energy than X-Rays and are less invasive, since they cannot pass through water or metal. Coming soon to an airport near you or buzzing around on board a drone in civilian airspace?"
Plus flying cars? (Score:4, Funny)
The Wired article has a sidebar with "Featured Articles", one of them is "Flying Cars are Coming".
Does this tell anyone about how soon this laser will have real world applications?
In related news... (Score:3, Funny)
Oh God (Score:3, Funny)
so it does not work with sharks? (Score:5, Funny)
so it does not work with sharks?
Re:Oh God (Score:5, Funny)
Even with that technology, I still don't think we will be able to find your genitalia. Sorry.
Re:"Less invasive than X-rays" (Score:3, Funny)
I give you a hint; There is not much sunshine.
My butthole emits blinding white rays of heavenly light you insensitive clod!
Re:Oh God (Score:5, Funny)
Dude, I'm 33 years old. I'm married and I've got two kids.
It has been years since anyone has been interested in my genitals, and I kind of miss the attention.
Business opportunity! (Score:3, Funny)
Since it won't pass through metals, quick, someone patent the tin-foil bra!
Oops, too late, now it's in the public domain :-)
Re:Oh God (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Oh God (Score:4, Funny)
Re:In related news... (Score:3, Funny)
Not the sharks with frickin' jetpacks.
Re:Bogus info from Tired (Score:5, Funny)
So your claim is that the TSA cares enough about passenger wellfare to not plasmify their customers? I think you underestimate their devotion to providing a comfortable, pleasant travel experience.
Re:Oh God (Score:1, Funny)
Re:In related news... (Score:3, Funny)
There's a jetpack? I didn't get the memo...
Re:PSA (Score:1, Funny)
Don't THz me, bro!
Watch out for perverts. (Score:5, Funny)
With all those perverts around, my advice to beautiful women is to keep your T-shirt wet at all times.
Is that a banana in your pocket or are you... (Score:2, Funny)