Today is the anniversary of the 'birth' of the laser--May 16, 1960. As stated by one: " it was a solution looking for a problem". Here's an article (one of many) saluting this change that has become such a part of our lives. Everything from Devin's star-gazing, eye procedures that have become so commonplace (and so valuable), the financial officer's laser pointer for those tedious overheads with too many numbers, and annoying additions to fireworks displays & concerts. Here's to all the scientists past & present! (We love our physicists!)
8 comments:
I only ask this morbid question because it had already occured to me (and I really want to know). Has anyone yet died by laser? Would Devin happen to know that?
occurred, rather.
Good question: let's ask him! Seems timely since I was just reviewing this year's Darwin awards--which reminds you how easily things can go wrong. I'm guessing it's happened--but my only knowledge is the 'morbidity' vs the mortality (you know, 'oops, didn't mean for THAT to happen!'...)
I think the death-by-laser definitely has potential for a plot line in you future novel, whadya think?!
If you can use lasers to contain a sustained fusion reaction, I'm sure you can kill someone with them. I have no idea if that's actually happened, though. More importantly:
How many physicists does it take to change a light bulb?
None! There is a small but finite probability that the light bulb will change itself.
I knew it would be worth having Devin make a comment!
I did do some general & professional info searches (I made the first mistake putting "laser death" in the query box & getting untold citings for the game, LaserDeath!!!geez!)
All I could find was (possibly)higher correlations for deaths following laser procedures (but numbers likely pointing out the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, etc. with ANY interventon)--with plenty of info stating the opposite (deaths actually reduced by using less invasive laser procedure vs more traditional surgery). And found lots about laser use on the horizon in the same context.
So-o-o: I'm thinking death by laser is still primarily fiction, & now I'm even more appreciative of laser technology!
hi
saw this death on net.
Judy, how are things there?
Post a Comment