Lasers, Death Rays, and the Long, Strange Quest for the Ultimate Weapon (Hardcover)

Jeff Hecht

24 ratings by Goodreads

Language: English

Published by Prometheus Books, Amherst, 2019

1633884600 / 9781633884601

  • Hardcover
  • New
See all details

Seller: CitiRetail, Stevenage, United KingdomCitiRetail

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 29, 2022

Hardcover

Condition: New

£ 24.99

£ 37.00 shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

Hardcover. The laser--a milestone invention of the mid-twentieth century--quickly captured the imagination of the Pentagon as the key to the ultimate weapon. Veteran science writer Jeff Hecht tells the inside story of the adventures and misadventures of scientists and military strategists as they exerted Herculean though often futile efforts to adapt the laser for military uses. From the 1950s' sci-fi vision of the "death ray," through the Reagan administration's "Star Wars" missile defense system, to more promising developments today, Hecht provides an entertaining history. As the author illustrates, there has always been a great deal of enthusiasm and false starts surrounding lasers. He describes a giant laser that filled a Boeing 747, lasers made from rocket engines, plans for an orbiting fleet of robotic laser battle stations to destroy nuclear missiles, claims that nuclear bombs could produce intense X-ray laser beams, and a scheme to bounce laser beams off giant orbiting relay mirrors. Those far-out ideas remain science fiction. Meanwhile, in civilian sectors, the laser is already being successfully used in fiber optic cables, scanners, medical devices, and industrial cutting tools. Now those laser cutting tools are leading to a new generation of laser weapons that just might stop insurgent rockets. Replete with interesting characters, bizarre schemes, and wonderful inventions, this is a well-told tale about the evolution of technology and the reaches of human ambition. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.…

Seller Inventory # 9781633884601

Title
Lasers, Death Rays, and the Long, Strange Quest for the Ultimate Weapon (Hardcover)
Author
Jeff Hecht
Publisher
Prometheus Books, Amherst
Publication year
2019
Condition
new
Binding
Hardcover
Language
English
ISBN 10
1633884600
ISBN 13
9781633884601

CitiRetail

Stevenage, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 29, 2022

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item7 to 14 business days7 to 60 business days
First item£ 37.00£ 37.00
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Store description

Online business

Seller's business information

ABC BOOKS LIMITED

10 John Street
London, United Kingdom WC1N 2EB