Death Star superlaser can combine beams

Australian researchers have revealed a new technique to combine lasers into a single beam using diamonds - similar to the'superlaser' seen on the Death Star in the hit film Star Wars. The researchers say their breakthrough could be used for everything from shooting down drones on Earth to blasting space junk in orbit. Australian researchers have revealed a new technique to combine lasers into a single beam using diamonds - similar to the'superlaser' seen on the Death Star in the hit film Star Wars. Researchers at Macquarie University say their research, published in Laser and Photonics Reviews, demonstrates a concept where the power of multiple laser beams is transferred into a single intense output beam that can be directed to the intended target. 'Researchers are developing high power lasers to combat threats to security from the increased proliferation of low-cost drones and missile technology,' said said co-author Associate Professor Rich Mildren.