h a l f b a k e r yGo ahead. Stick a fork in it.
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A fixed laser beam is pointed into a perfect parabolic reflector. The beam will then hit the focus of the parabola which will be another parabolic reflector angled to catch the beam.
In a vacuum, would this catch the beam indefinitely? Could you then turn off the laser with the beam bouncing between
the two reflectors?
I can think of tons of applications.
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This is doomed by a number of physical phenomenon. I will try to find the idea with all the discussion on this topic. |
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I've heard of spinning mercury into a perfect parabolic reflector for extremely precise telescopes. |
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You will heat the parabola (the beam will excite its atoms) |
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It was the moon mirrors idea, linked. The main failing there was beam divergence, and the discussion centered on why this occurs. I think it would be applicable here too. |
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//I can think of tons of applications.//
Maybe you could share just a few ounces? |
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"Yo Abs, I bet you this diabetic schnauzer that you wont put your hand between these parabolic reflectors!" |
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"You're on, Bungs..... heh! That laser had no energy left! Barely took the hair off." |
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"mmm. I read they were perfect reflectors. Well, fine. Don't forget to give him his insulin shots." |
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By the way, it was not the moon mirrors idea. It was something to do with pinball, I think. Yes, Solar System Pinball, by the same author. It has been deleted, I suspect in a fit of pique, or maybe ague. One of those fits. Too bad because it did have good discussion. |
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