So, my dad seems to think that laser beams have a focal point. So that if you had a high power laser, the object in the beam would become hotter at one point than at any other.

Where I think, being an extremely directional beam, there should be no focal point, other than the divergence of the laser due to waveleingth. With that, closer would be better, but there is no real point of focus.

Any thoughts? Links?

 

i'm pretty sure that the laser IS the focal point....and agree with you.

and, on that note


wtf, double posts merged?

and triple posts

 

Yeah, you must have missed that thread.

 

 

Ok, make a cat thread, I can has opinions??

 

believe it or not, my science and lab class in college was laser science. i wish i could remember. i could dig through my notes.

 

If you're willing to. I was more looking for a link to something applicable. I couldn't find it on wiki.

 

Yeah, things have been weird at work lately, so i've been MIA. That, and playing knighthood on facebook. the game rocks.

 

Yeah that's a real reliable source...