Latest news with #laser
CTV News
a day ago
- General
- CTV News
Laser incident targeting Detroit police helicopter prompts cross-border investigation
FILE PHOTO - A Customs and Border Patrol helicopter was struck by a laser beam while conducting operations over protests in Detroit, June 3, 2020CBPGreatLakes/X A laser pointed at a Detroit police helicopter late Monday night prompted a cross-border investigation involving Canadian authorities. Detroit police said the laser was directed at one of their aircraft units multiple times as it flew near the Detroit River. Officers believe the beam originated from the Windsor, Ont., side of the border. 'The Detroit Police Department contacted the Windsor Police Service to investigate this incident,' said Windsor Police Const. Bianca Jackson in an emailed statement. 'Our officers conducted a search of the area for a suspect and any evidence but were unable to locate anything. As a result, we are no longer investigating this matter.' Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal offence in both Canada and the U.S. Experts warn the consequences can be severe. 'This is a real dangerous game,' said Chris Lewis, CTV public safety analyst and former OPP commissioner. 'When you point a laser at an aircraft, you risk blinding the pilot — the aircraft, helicopter or airplane falling out of the sky, killing the people in it, maybe landing on a house and killing a family or much more. So, this is pretty dangerous stuff.' Lewis said pilots often have tools to identify the precise location the laser originated from. 'Ultimately, pilots can basically pin — like you can on a Google map on your phone — a location, so they have the exact coordinates as to where that light came from,' he said. 'That might come to somebody's backyard, for example, as opposed to somebody on downtown Ouellette (Avenue). It may come to some area that specifically allows them to then track who was there at that time.' He compared the act of pointing a laser at an aircraft to using a weapon. 'It's like pointing a rifle at an aircraft — that can have the same consequences,' Lewis said. Lewis also warned the public that this kind of behaviour can carry serious legal penalties. 'It's a good reminder to the public how dangerous this is, given that Windsor is going to have a helicopter flying regularly around the city and the area, throughout Essex County, I assume,' he said. 'So, this is dangerous stuff, and it's a criminal offense. It brings up to five years in prison, and if someone gets hurt or dies, you're looking at a heck of a lot more time than that. So, let's not do this again.' Aviation expert John Gradek, a lecturer at McGill University's School of Aviation Management said these types of incidents are becoming increasingly common. 'This is a very regular occurrence,' Gradek said. 'It's not something that happens once a year or once every couple of months. It is something that does happen, and law enforcement is really quick to respond.' He acknowledged the difficulty of finding those responsible, but noted police have tools at their disposal. 'It is a very difficult situation to investigate and to find the culprits,' he said. 'But there are tools that are used by law enforcement to be able to pinpoint where the laser was sighted and the exact physical address of the origin of that laser point. So, more often than not, they do catch the individuals that have been pointing the lasers.' No injuries were reported in this week's incident, and no suspects have been identified. -With files from CTV Windsor's Travis Fortnum and AM800's Dustin Coffman.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
China's ‘Silent Hunter' laser gun shooting down Ukrainian drones
Russia has been using a Chinese-made laser to shoot down Ukrainian drones despite persistent claims from Beijing it is not offering military support to Moscow. New footage shows Russian troops operating the Silent Hunter Low-Altitude Laser Defence System, and taking out Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) nearly a mile away. The weapon would be one of the most significant and sophisticated pieces of equipment that Russia has obtained from China during the three-year war on Ukraine. Designed to search for, track and take down enemy drones, the laser can be mounted on top of an SUV and operated from within the vehicle. From there, it can detect targets 3.1 miles away, blind them at two miles away and shoot them down when they are a mile out. The 30-kilowatt laser can pierce a 5mm-thick steel plate 1,000m away. It takes just eight seconds between locking onto a target and bringing it down. In a video shared on Russian Telegram channels, the laser is seen slowly emerging from a camouflage net before shooting towards a steel plate in the distance and piercing it with several holes. The video continues with a split screen of the laser shooting down Ukrainian UAVs. Ukraine's Vodohrai Telegram channel claimed the drones in the footage were a Shchedryk-type UAV, a Skywalker X8 and a decoy drone known as the Distractor. The footage suggests the drones were shot down from distances greater than 0.8 miles, according to Ukrainian military news outlet Militarnyi. The report also claimed the laser is being operated by a mobile air defence team within the 'Kochevnik' special operations group and has been in use in Russia since at least Oct 2024. The Silent Hunter was developed by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation and was first put into operation during the G20 summit in Hangzhou, a city in eastern China, in 2016. The system includes radar and an optical station for detection, tracking and targeting. An updated version was revealed in 2024 with an extended hard kill range of 3.7 miles and a soft kill range – the distance needed to blind or interfere – of 6.2 miles. The cost of operating laser weapons is typically less than £10 per shot, which makes them low-cost alternatives to missiles for certain tasks. In comparison, the British Sea Viper missiles that were shot from HMS Diamond in the Red Sea to take down the Iranian-backed Houthis' drones and missiles cost roughly £1 million each. Along with Russia, the Silent Hunter is known to be in use in Saudi Arabia and in Iran. Saudi Arabia has previously deployed the laser system against reconnaissance UAVs used by the Houthi militia in Yemen. Houthis have Iranian-made Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, which are the same as the ones that Russia has used against Ukraine. The Silent Hunter was also spotted in Iran in late 2024 during a public sermon by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It's unclear how many of the laser systems China has manufactured and sold over the years, but so far only one has been reported in use by Russia, becoming the latest in a long list of Chinese equipment allegedly used by Moscow. Chinese aid for Russia In April, two Chinese soldiers were captured in Ukraine, fighting alongside Russian forces. Western intelligence sources said it was unlikely the soldiers were sent directly by China. Russia routinely recruits foreign nationals into its armed forces through irregular means. In any case, Volodymyr Zelensky said: 'Russia's involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting.' The US called the capture of Chinese citizens fighting for Russia 'disturbing'. Mr Zelensky further accused China of supplying Russia with weapons and gunpowder. A month later, Oleh Ivashchenko, the head of Ukraine's intelligence service, said that Ukraine could 'confirm' that China was providing important materials and equipment to 20 Russian military factories. According to the agency, at least 80 per cent of the electronics used in Russian drones originated from China. This assessment was backed up by the US state department, which said: 'China is a major enabler of Russia in the war in Ukraine. China provides nearly 80 per cent of the dual-use items Russia needs to sustain the war.' Beijing denied allegations that it sent weapons and gunpowder claiming that 'China has never provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict' and 'strictly controls dual-use items'. The foreign ministry refused to respond to questions about Russia's use of the Silent Hunter over the phone, instead referring The Telegraph to its daily in person press conference.
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
World's Strongest Handheld Laser Can Melt Metal and Ignite Wood Instantly
What if you held in your hand a device so powerful it could ignite wood in seconds, melt metals with ease, and even create synthetic rubies? The world's strongest handheld laser, boasting a staggering 250 watts of output, is no longer a concept confined to science fiction. This technological marvel is 50,000 times more powerful than the legal limit for standard laser pointers, redefining what is possible in portable laser technology. But with such immense power comes a host of challenges—safety concerns, regulatory gaps, and the delicate balance between innovation and responsibility. This perspective provide more insights into the new engineering behind this record-breaking device and the implications of wielding such extraordinary energy in the palm of your hand. From its advanced water-cooling systems to its compact, self-contained design, this laser represents a milestone in engineering ingenuity. Readers will uncover how this device overcame significant hurdles like inefficient power drivers and inadequate cooling mechanisms to achieve its unprecedented capabilities. Beyond its technical brilliance, the laser's ability to melt metals, burn through razor blades, and even ignite lithium batteries hints at innovative applications in fields ranging from material science to experimental physics. Yet, its immense power also raises critical questions about safety and ethical use. As you explore the story of this remarkable invention by Styropyro below, consider not just its potential, but also the responsibility that comes with harnessing such fantastic technology. 250 Watt Handheld Laser Engineering Breakthroughs: Overcoming Design Challenges Developing this record-breaking laser required engineers to overcome numerous technical obstacles. The team focused on refining diode arrays, integrating modern components, and resolving persistent issues found in earlier designs. Initial prototypes faced significant challenges, including inefficient power drivers, inadequate cooling mechanisms, and unsafe battery configurations. To address these challenges, the engineering team implemented several key innovations: Advanced water-cooling systems to effectively manage heat dissipation, making sure stable operation during extended use. to effectively manage heat dissipation, making sure stable operation during extended use. Modern integrated circuits (ICs) to enhance power efficiency and reduce energy waste. to enhance power efficiency and reduce energy waste. Fail-safe mechanisms to improve safety and reliability, minimizing the risk of accidents or malfunctions. Portability was a critical design priority. Unlike other high-power lasers that rely on bulky external power supplies or cooling units, this device is entirely self-contained, meeting the strict definition of 'handheld.' This compact and portable design sets it apart as a true engineering marvel, demonstrating the potential for high-powered technology in a more accessible form factor. Unmatched Power: Redefining Laser Capabilities With an output of 250 watts, this laser surpasses the previous record of 100 watts, offering unprecedented capabilities. Its immense power enables it to perform tasks that were previously impossible for handheld devices. For instance, it can: Ignite materials such as wood, paper, and plastic almost instantly. such as wood, paper, and plastic almost instantly. Melt metals like copper, aluminum, titanium, and tungsten with remarkable precision. like copper, aluminum, titanium, and tungsten with remarkable precision. Burn through and weld razor blades , showcasing its potential for industrial applications. , showcasing its potential for industrial applications. Create synthetic rubies from alumina powder, opening new possibilities in material science. from alumina powder, opening new possibilities in material science. Ignite lithium batteries and even burn diamonds, demonstrating its extreme energy output. These capabilities highlight the laser's potential in fields such as experimental physics, advanced manufacturing, and material science. For example, its ability to produce synthetic rubies could transform gemstone production, offering a more efficient and controlled method for creating high-quality materials. World's Most Powerful Handheld Laser Watch this video on YouTube. Take a look at other insightful guides from our broad collection that might capture your interest in handheld laser technology. Practical Constraints: Challenges in Real-World Use Despite its impressive power, the laser has notable limitations when interacting with certain materials. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or polished metals, can deflect its energy, reducing its effectiveness and posing significant safety risks. Similarly, self-healing materials and transparent substances like snow, ice, or vapors absorb minimal energy, limiting the laser's impact on these surfaces. Safety remains a paramount concern. High-powered lasers like this one can cause severe eye damage, ignite fires, and create hazards from accidental reflections. These risks necessitate strict adherence to safety protocols, including the use of protective eyewear and responsible handling practices. The laser's immense power demands a high level of caution to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation. Safety and Legal Considerations: Managing Risks Responsibly The laser's power output far exceeds the legal limit for laser pointers, yet it is still permissible for personal use in the United States. This regulatory gap highlights the need for clearer and more comprehensive guidelines as high-powered lasers become increasingly accessible to the public. Users must take proactive steps to ensure safety by: Wearing protective eyewear specifically designed for high-powered lasers to prevent eye injuries. specifically designed for high-powered lasers to prevent eye injuries. Following strict handling guidelines to minimize the risk of accidents or unintended exposure. to minimize the risk of accidents or unintended exposure. Understanding the risks associated with misuse, including the potential for fires and other hazards. To mitigate these risks, the laser includes advanced safety features such as fail-safes and controlled power settings. However, public education on laser safety is essential to prevent misuse and ensure that these powerful tools are used responsibly. As the technology continues to evolve, regulatory bodies may need to establish stricter standards to address the unique challenges posed by high-powered lasers. Future Potential: Unlocking New Applications The extraordinary capabilities of this handheld laser open the door to a wide range of innovative applications. Potential uses include: Creating musical laser displays for entertainment and artistic performances, offering new possibilities for visual effects. for entertainment and artistic performances, offering new possibilities for visual effects. Conducting advanced scientific experiments in fields such as physics and chemistry, allowing researchers to explore new phenomena. in fields such as physics and chemistry, allowing researchers to explore new phenomena. Transforming material science through the production of synthetic rubies and other advanced materials, paving the way for breakthroughs in manufacturing and research. Future advancements in laser technology could focus on improving efficiency and addressing the limitations posed by reflective and transparent materials. By overcoming these challenges, engineers may unlock even more applications, further expanding the potential of high-powered lasers in various industries. Understanding the Record: What Makes It Unique? The classification of this laser as 'handheld' is a defining factor in its record-breaking status. Unlike stationary or externally powered lasers, this device operates independently, with its power source fully integrated into the design. Additionally, its power measurement is based on continuous-wave (CW) output, which differs from pulsed lasers that deliver energy in short bursts. This distinction is crucial for understanding the laser's performance and the engineering achievements that make it unique. The development of this laser represents a remarkable leap in engineering and innovation. Its unparalleled power and versatility highlight the potential of high-powered lasers across scientific, industrial, and creative domains. However, this achievement also emphasizes the importance of safety, regulation, and ethical considerations. By prioritizing responsible use and adhering to strict safety protocols, users can harness the immense potential of this technology for the benefit of society. Media Credit: styropyro Filed Under: Gadgets News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Woman admits shining laser at police helicopter in Bodmin
A woman from Bodmin has pleaded guilty to shining a laser at a police helicopter while it was on a search mission.A justice of the peace in Bodmin Magistrates Court gave Kim Upton, 54, of Hillside Park a conditional discharge and told her she had "acted recklessly and stupidly".The court heard a laser had been pointed to the sky seven times around midnight on an evening in August while police officers in the aircraft were searching for a high-risk missing person using thermal imaging told the police she had not deliberately targeted the helicopter but had been using the green laser to light her garden for her dog. The magistrates said Upton's actions could have led to the helicopter crashing if the pilot had been blinded by the laser court heard she had not intended to distract the helicopter and her actions were not was handed a 12-month conditional discharge which means she can be sentenced for this first offence if she was found to commit another crime in the next year.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chinese Laser Weapon Is Claimed To Be In Russian Service
Russia is using a new Chinese laser system to shoot down Ukrainian drones, according to pro-Russian Telegram channels. The system seen in a video posted to Telegram on Thursday appears to be at least extremely similar to a system Beijing has apparently already provided to Iran, which you can read more about here. The video, posted on the Military Information Telegram channel, opens with scenes of troops inside a vehicle, flicking switches and looking at heavily pixelated screens. The next scene shows the system rising out of the vehicle and then being rotated by a soldier in the vehicle using a joystick. It then cuts to small fiery holes being burned into a metal plate. A subsequent view shows the plate with four holes burned through it, apparently created by the laser. Russian sources have released footage showing the use of the Chinese Low-Altitude Laser Defending System (LASS) to shoot down Ukrainian drones in the combat appear to be the first documented visuals of the Chinese laser system in operational use in Ukraine. — NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) May 31, 2025 The next scene shows several screens, with one displaying video of a drone catching fire and spinning out of control, with the implication that the damage was caused by the laser system. A second drone is shown being hit by what appears to be the laser. The video ends with recovered drone segments with burn marks that could be indicative of a laser engagement. While we can't say for certain what system this is, or where or when the video was taken, as noted earlier, it is very similar to a system China apparently provided to Iran. From our previous story about that: '…it has a single large aperture on the left side. In addition, there is an aperture with a more squared-off shape on the right side….A similar, if not identical arrangement is visible in Chinese marketing literature for another counter-drone laser weapon called the Shen Nung (also transliterated Shennong). Containerized and 4×4 Dongfeng Mengshi light tactical truck-mounted versions of the Shen Nung – the Shen Nung 5000 and 3000, respectively – have at least been pitched in the past. The pictures reportedly taken in Tehran last week show the system behind a blue tarp screen, but what is visible could point to a containerized variant.' This is a conclusion also drawn by Fabian Hinz, a Research Fellow Defense and Military Analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. 'While the sensor arrangement seems to have been altered, the system observed in Russian service strongly resembles the Chinese Shen Nung 3000/5000 anti-drone laser,' Hinz noted on X. While the sensor arrangement seems to have been altered, the system observed in Russian service strongly resembles the Chinese Shen Nung 3000/5000 anti-drone laser. — Fabian Hinz (@fab_hinz) May 31, 2025 Russian Telegram channels claim the system is already in use by the Nomad special forces unit and is a great improvement over earlier counter-drone laser designs. 'Previously, there was an opinion in the domestic information environment that combat lasers were useless and expensive toys,' wrote the Military Informant Telegram channel, which on Thursday was the first to publish the video. 'However, new threats identified during [the full-on invasion of Ukraine] forced the search for alternative methods of counteraction. Thanks to the development of new technologies, laser systems have become an effective tool for the destruction of Ukrainian UAVs.' 'It remains to be hoped that the topic of developing laser weapons in Russia will receive new impetus, and the experience of using lasers as air defense weapons will be scaled up throughout the country,' the channel added. While Military Information did not explain what kind of system it was, the editor of a Russian military-themed magazine identified it as 'the Chinese Low-Altitude Laser Defending System (LASS).' It is used, 'among others, by the People's Armed Police of the People's Republic of China,' wrote Kornev Dmitry, editor of the NOZS magazine and the website. 'The developer and manufacturer of LASS is probably the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics.' Though we don't know many details about this system, it certainly is not the first laser directed energy weapon to be used in combat against drones. Earlier this week, Israeli officials disclosed that Jerusalem has used a new air defense laser to shoot down Hezbollah drones in the current conflict in the Middle East. As we noted in our story: 'What is described as an adapted version of the Iron Beam system made its combat debut last October, and the definitive version should be fielded by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later this year, joining an already formidable, layered air defense network, something you can read about in more detail here.' The use of the Iron Beam — also known by its Hebrew name Magen Or — was announced by the IDF, Israeli Air Force (IAF), and defense contractor Rafael, in a joint statement. These three organizations, it is said, 'executed an accelerated development program to deploy revolutionary interception systems,' as part of an effort that also involved Israel's Directorate of Defense Research and Development. You can see that system in the video below. A World First — Combat-Proven Laser Defense, Powered by RafaelFor the first time in history, high-power laser systems have been used to intercept aerial threats in unprecedented breakthrough took place during the Swords of Iron War — with Rafael's advanced… — Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (@RAFAELdefense) May 28, 2025 The U.S. has similar lasers deployed in small numbers to forward locations and vessels for early operational use and evaluation. Multiple countries are working on developing similar systems. Although progress is being made on adapting laser weapons to operational military use, it has been far slower than many had predicted, including the Department of Defense. These systems also have key limitations in terms of their range and environmental factors significantly impacting their performance. Thermal limitations can also limit their engagement efficacy against multiple targets. They also use relatively delicate components that have to be hardened to the rigors of forward operations, often in remote locales, with limited external support. While there is still much we don't know about the system that emerged on social media, the fact that Iran has likely fielded a Chinese system that closely resembles is a sign that it is on the market. Russia, China and Iran have growing relations as they seek to challenge the United States and its allies on the world stage. Both China and Iran have provided weapons or supporting technologies to Russia in its fight against Ukraine. Contact the author: howard@
