I've seen 150mW lasers that cut through electric tape and ignite wood from 20metres away, but then I see 240mW lasers that couldn't turn petrol-soaked paper into flame. Am I missing something here?
2007-07-15 10:24:12 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
They've been in use for decades already. I work on aircraft and the first aircraft I worked on, the Jaguar, had a Laser Rangefinder and Target seeker equipped. It was a very accurate bit of kit.
I currently work on the Eurofighter Typhoon and once it is built it is laser scanned to ensure that the surface is absolutely perfect (i.e no uneven panels etc) Also, modern military aircraft have Laser Inertial Navigation systems, which are extremely accurate and involve no moving parts.
I assume that you are talking about using Lasers as hand held cutting tools? We're a bit behind on that one. The lasers that can cut materials are far too power-hungry and unwieldy to have any small scale practical use just yet, but we do use them for cutting on a larger scale. Technology is advancing and getting smaller everyday! It is almost inevitable that we will develop them in the future.
2007-07-15 10:43:40 · answer #1 · answered by genghis41f 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you're missing the power density (watts / surface) and the absorption rate on your target... if the wavelength is not absorbed in the target, but reflected or transmitted then it will not heat up the target. If the surface of the focal spot of your laserbeam is to big, you'll not be able to deposit enough energy.
Peter.
Also, I personally used pulsed lasers (over 1 terrawatt 10 power 12 in power), but the pulses were so short (less then one nanosecond) that it would not be able to cut through a piece of wood with only one pulse. The same laser was however able to heat up a plasma to temperatures higher then on the sun's surface. But there is very few material in such a plasma.
2007-07-15 17:41:09 · answer #2 · answered by Goedtkindt 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If all one needs to do is to cut black electric tape or ignite gas soaked rags, perhaps.
But if you need to screw a bolt or change the oil in a car, I doubt a laser would be the tool of choice.
2007-07-15 17:37:34 · answer #3 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where have you been? Lasers are the tools of the present. As for effects, it's all about wavelength and focus. IR lasers are better at heating things.
2007-07-15 18:26:19 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why of the future?? The world of engineering been using them for along time. We laser cut alot of metal shapes from sheet steel. easier then a saw or grinder.
2007-07-15 17:28:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sharks with fricking laser beams on their head perhaps?!
2007-07-15 17:31:37 · answer #6 · answered by Dogs Rock! 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes.including communication in place of microwave beams/laser is 100x faster.
2007-07-15 17:30:00 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a lot of limit..you cannot use laser everywhere.
2007-07-15 17:29:12 · answer #8 · answered by osama I 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No hehe :) x
2007-07-15 17:27:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋