World's most powerful handheld laser developed

Read the full article in Electro Optics

PA’s Daniel Black, electronic systems innovation expert and Rob Lambert, Electronic Systems expert, feature in Electro Optics for Daniels’ Guiness World Records title for the development of the most powerful prototype handheld laser. This record was broken at PA’s Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Cambridge.

The article explains that Daniel developed a small, handheld laser with a peak power of 7.61W (7.10W sustained) – equivalent to 8,000 conventional laser pointers stacked on top of each other. This breaks his own record of 5.1W (4.2W sustained), which he set in April 2016.

Commenting on this, Daniel says: “This laser has been designed and built to push the limits of what can be achieved in such a small form factor – to take the next step in making the technology smaller, lighter and more power efficient, Lasers will form an ever-larger backbone to the way we communicate, shop, bank, learn, and work, so it is important for laser technology to keep evolving, and for us to push the boundaries.”

He adds: “This world record laser serves as a testbed for us to work safely with small, high-power lasers at PA. The technological progress we have made here may allow us to make more efficient and longer lasting communications networks, to look at possible new methods of wireless power delivery, to create new smaller medical devices, or even to change the way we deliver healthcare such as through portable laser tools for surgery.”

Rob says: “We believe in giving engineers such as Daniel the opportunity to innovate and create. PA provides a unique opportunity for people to shape their own careers and to bring their ingenuity to life. We hope that Daniel’s achievement will inspire the coming generations to become world leading scientists or engineers.”

The article goes on to explain that with lasers playing a key role in modern infrastructure, communications, healthcare, and engineering, PA is looking to continuously make innovations in this vital area of technology. PA also sees the title as another achievement that demonstrates its expertise and capability with laser technology.