The Strange History of Real-World Laser Weapons: Q&A with Author Jeff Hecht

[Judi Lynn]

By Chelsea Gohd, Space.com Contributor | February 8, 2019 05:00pm ET

Lasers. A staple in science fiction for decades upon decades, they have appeared as ray guns, phasers, lightsabers and much more. But lasers, and even laser weapons, aren't restricted to sci-fi.

In his latest book, "Lasers, Death Rays, and the Long, Strange Quest for the Ultimate Weapon," (Prometheus Books, 2019), released Jan. 8, Jeff Hecht, an award-winning veteran science writer, details the incredible history of real-life laser weapons.

Because adding lasers to any plan makes it seem infinitely more exciting, laser weapon inventions have ranged from the wildly improbable "death ray" to giant lasers the size of a Boeing 747 airplane. Hecht expertly captures the history of laser weapons while, at the same time, reflecting on their sci-fi influences. [How 'Star Trek' Technology Works (Infographic)]

Space.com spoke with Hecht about the dramatic history of laser weapons and what separates science fiction from reality.

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