Audible Lasers

The Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate is leading to the creation of several non-lethal weapons for use by the US military. The Laser Induced Plasma Effect is being utilized by firing a high powered laser's plasma charge at a desired location and crossing the ejected plasma with another beam. This causes the original ball of plasma to waver and create sound waves. This can result in the accurate mimicry of the human voice.

This military device will help target messages to certain individuals, to avoid exposing confidential information. Individuals in the military will be able to easily and secretly communicate across heights and distances that were previously challenges. Additionally, this method of communication will leave a nearly non-existent footprint because of the first-hand aspect of the technology.

This plasma technology is estimated to be available for the military's use within the next five years. In the meantime, MIT is prototyping with lasers that would be able to move water molecules, causing the creation of sound by the listener's ear. The use of lasers to create skin irritation and burn through clothing is also being experimented with for being utilized in the future.