[rdouglass]

Originally posted by Cyrien:
A laser weapon on the other hand would slice through the dust just like it would body armor, flesh, and a foot of solid steel...

Yes, and wouldn't that use energy as it burned thru or couldn't we use simple mirrors (or EMF) to divert? After all, it is (in it's simplest form) a beam of light with all the wave and particle properties accorded light? How do you think they point the laser to begin with? ...there are mechanisms available to redirect laser pulses....

I'm kinda' familiar with physics and have read the articles, I just don't see how these would be an all-purpose weapon for terrestrial applications. In orbit, yes; I see no problems except for those noted (power, scale, etc.) Ground-based systems? - I see too many issues surrounding the concept of keeping them laser pulses propigating at full power thru our atmosphere except under "optimal" conditions.

Just my $.02....