Many have believe about how to fetch to lifeStar Wars ’ Death Star and it ’s fearsome planet - knock down laser system . While thecost and engineeringare still beyond us , combining optical maser is now actually possible .

Instead of laser beams joining into a single one in space though , researchers from Macquarie University in Australia were able to compound several optical maser ray into one by placing an highly pure diamond vitreous silica at the point of convergence . The crystal allows the power to be take in a specific direction without beam distortion .

“ This find is technologically crucial as laser researchers are struggling with increasing ability beyond a certain level due to the large challenges in treat the large heat physical body - up , and combining beam from multiple lasers is one of the most promising ways to well raise the power barrier , ” lead author Dr Aaron McKay said in astatement .

The strong-arm mechanism behind this technology is have sex asRaman dot . While this is exhibited in many material , it ’s particularly substantial in baseball field . Diamonds also fool away heat well and commute the color of the beam , which is important for safety reasons .

“ The exceptional wavelength of the train vigour beam is critical to the efficient infection through the atmosphere and to reduce the centre hazard for people , or indeed fauna , who may be in the locality of the beam , ” bestow co - author Professor Rich Mildren .

worldwide destruction is not on the cards for this technology , but it has applications for both denial intent and scientific depth psychology . Laser technology is all important in many area and this will allow lasers to go beyond the current power limitation .

“ Researchers are developing high power lasers to battle threats to surety from the increase proliferation of low - cost radio-controlled aircraft and missile technology , ” Professor Mildren explained . “High great power lasers are also needed in space software include powering space vehicles and tackling the growing space junk problem that menace satellite . ”

The find is reported inLaser & Photonics Reviewand a copy of it will likely find its way to the Imperial Data Bank onScarif .