Any mechanical geniuses here?

[anarky]

Possibly a dumb question, but I can't find anything related to this online (maybe because I'll admit I'm an incompetent searcher):

I'm looking for info on ruby lasers. Specifically, could a ruby laser be feasibly used as a weapon? I know the oldest laser was a ruby laser, and it emits pulses rather than a continuous beam, so I'm not sure that it would be. Anyone have any clue?

[Zero]

My understanding of early laser technology was that you had to hold it completely steady on the target for an excessive amount of time, and it wasn't feasible as a weapon because you really couldn't ask an enemy combatant to stand absolutely still for ten minutes while we bore through you with a light beam.

[vynsane]

i can't understand any of this shit, but my original search for "lasers as weapons" brought up "solid state lasers" which seems to be the most viable solution for laser weaponry. a search on that brought up these sites:

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/laserssl.htm

http://www.rp-photonics.com/solid_state_lasers.html

http://www.news.com/Are+laser+weapons+r ... 59967.html

[anarky]

Okay, that kinda confirms what I was thinking. I guess a little fudge may be in order.

[Zero]

mmmmmm...fudge laser...deadly, yet delicious!

[Diabolical]

You're not planning to put these lasers on sharks, are you?

[anarky]

No, everyone knows you need "frickin' laser beams" for that, not "ruby laser beams."

[Diabolical]

Just checking. You can't be too careful.

Al Queda is reportedly looking into doing a similar thing.