how do you make a laser that can melt,(cut) through solids?

a laser,(like a sentinel beam in halo) that can burn through a solid,(ex:metal). i know that there is something like this in the world and isnt science fiction, but it sounds like the laser is just a focused beam of heat. (is there an easy way to make something like this?)

lmn7 years ago
I believe plasma cutters would be more practical and a lot less expensive than a laser of that power
NachoMahma7 years ago
. Metal burning lasers are definitely not sci-fi, but as L points out, the lasing element itself is not something the average DIYer can build in the garage.
. You're close in calling it a "focused beam of heat," but coherent light is what it is. See also LASER. I supposed an IR laser could be called a heat beam.
. One of the advantages of coherent (laser) light is that it does not spread like "regular" light and does not need to be focused, although it usually is, to boost the power density, in burning applications.
. When did we quit capitalizing LASER? I can't remember the last time I saw it in all-caps. <shrug>
Well... You are right. Laser should probably be written L.A.S.E.R. (acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). Meh, whatever. Words change over the years.

It is possible to make a "solid melting laser." You just need to pick the right solid! I'm sure that this laser could at least melt through ice, if you focused it correctly...

As for metal melting lasers: highly unlikely that someone could build one in their garage. Not to mention dangerous... You can, as Nacho said, buy them, but I would suggest not building one.

If you do somehow build one, I suggest wearing some eye protection. According to the book How to Survive a Robot Uprising, lasers will cauterize any wound they make, however, even the weakest lasers can blind you. A welders mask (the old fashioned kind that is always dark, I believe) should protect your optical sensors (eyes).
lemonie7 years ago
You need to buy an industrial LASER, make easily I think unlikely.