laser spreaders

salm · Post by **salm** » 2002-12-06 10:04am

why do we never see laser guns that fire several laser shots at once spreading them, like a shotgun? or is there somthing like that?

kojikun · Post by **kojikun** » 2002-12-06 05:43pm

Its called a flashlight.

But seriously, that would be a waste of energy. Each beam would have to be equally strong as a single beam gun, meaning 9 times the power consumption. It takes far less power to track and aim then it does to generate the laser shot. And it's smaller. Unless you use beam splitters and such to get the multiple beams, but that requires a more massive and powerful laser.

guyver · Post by **guyver** » 2002-12-06 06:31pm

Why would you want to do that. But if you did could you not just spread the beam out??

Post by **The Yosemite Bear** » 2002-12-06 07:03pm

The Laser would difuse and loose much of it's energy.

Of course if you wanted to make a laser "Duck's foot" (Blackbeard's the pirate's signature boarding weapon), (One lasing being sent out on eight sepreate barrels)

Post by **Sea Skimmer** » 2002-12-06 07:10pm

Well you might be able to split the beam and direct it out in a fan or something. But it would be very weak. A conventional firearm would be a better choice.

Post by **The Yosemite Bear** » 2002-12-06 07:25pm

That's what I was trying to say.

I figured the only reason for it, would be a boarding action, and still then your better served with a shotgun and plastic flecettes anyways (Won't penetrate the hull of the ship, but will tear the shit out of the flesh.

salm · Post by **salm** » 2002-12-06 08:07pm

why would you WANT to have something like that? for the same reason why you want a shotgun. it´s earier to aim.
it wouldnt take that much more power, because the single beams would not have to be that strong, just like a shotgun. it would be a pretty good weapon for closer encounters.

kojikun · Post by **kojikun** » 2002-12-07 12:46am

yes but salm what you dont realise is, if you want the thing to do damage, each beam has to be powerful enough to do the full amount of damage you require. anything less would leave targets rather undamaged. if the weapon is meant to be used close range, then such a weapon is useless. if its meant to be long range, then you need it to be capable of damaging the craft with one beam.

Post by **The Yosemite Bear** » 2002-12-07 02:29am

Exactly

Cpt_Frank · Post by **Cpt_Frank** » 2002-12-07 04:27am

if the weapon is meant to be used close range, then such a weapon is useless. if its meant to be long range, then you need it to be capable of damaging the craft with one beam.

I think he's refering to an infantry weapon rather than a ship weapon.

Post by **The Yosemite Bear** » 2002-12-07 04:42am

That was my understanding too.

The spread attack, would only be good for a close range infanry attack.