[mlmbd]

Kamog, I really don't want to get into a heavy theoretical physics discussion (here). As you so aptly and very eloquently stated;

"So does a fusion beam mean that it is a stream of particles that are combining to form heavier elements within the beam itself? That must be difficult to achieve, because it takes enormous pressures to bring the nuclei close enough for the nuclear fusion to occur, and that's not going to happen when the beam is traveling through open space."

Although difficult, it is possible to get the nuclei close enough for the fusion to accrue. Now, what if the particles are not dispensed into space? Say they are collected in particle form into a canister, a shell, bubble or another form of containment (such as field) medium. In theory, they could then be dispensed in a stream or beam, if you prefer. Waiting to make contact with an object, the target, then BOOM!

Ripper beams and Incinerator beams, to be continued!!

mlmbd