h a l f b a k e r yThink of it as a spell checker that insults you, as well.
add, search, annotate, link, view, overview, recent, by name, random
news, help, about, links, report a problem
browse anonymously,
or get an account
and write.
register,
|
|
|
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.
Please log in.
If you're not logged in,
you can see what this page
looks like, but you will
not be able to add anything.
Annotation:
|
| |
This is doomed by a number of physical phenomenon. I will try to find the idea with all the discussion on this topic. |
|
| |
I've heard of spinning mercury into a perfect parabolic reflector for extremely precise telescopes. |
|
| |
You will heat the parabola (the beam will excite its atoms) |
|
| |
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. |
|
| |
//I can think of tons of applications.//
Maybe you could share just a few ounces? |
|
| |
"Yo Abs, I bet you this diabetic schnauzer that you wont put your hand between these parabolic reflectors!" |
|
| |
"You're on, Bungs..... heh! That laser had no energy left! Barely took the hair off." |
|
| |
"mmm. I read they were perfect reflectors. Well, fine. Don't forget to give him his insulin shots." |
|
| |
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. |
|
| |