Blasters, Phasers, Laser Canons. Every Sci-fi series has some sort of directed energy weapon. Imagine Star Trek without Phasers or Han Solo toting an Uzi. It just does not work. At this point I must congratulate the Sci-Fi Channel’s (when it used to be called that) Battlestar Galactica and its use of real ammunition and more realistic physics. Until then, I don’t think that anyone would even consider a futuristic show without putting in a ‘Ray Gun’ of some sort into the mix.
Real science’s best attempt at such a device includes mounting it on a Boeing 747 and using such dangerous chemicals to power it, you were as likely to kill the operator as hit the target. (Try getting that in your holster, Han.) Well, that is until now! Solid State Lasers have finally reached the same power levels as Chemical Lasers. The latest Arms Show at Farnborough (Yes, we thought it was an air show as well!) shows off this new weaponry shooting down UAVs.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10682693
Of course, the laser is invisible until it comes into contact with something. You can’t sell something that is invisible, so you either dress it up with a half-naked female (like car manufacturers selling 80mpg in the city) or you get an artist in to draw the ‘ray gun’ line. Trust me, once they get this thing down to hand-held size, there will be a female in the wings ready and waiting to hold it for the camera!
