flaser

Flaser is a term most often encountered in science fiction to describe a directed-energy weapon that emits brief, intense laser pulses, commonly described as a "flash laser" or "flash-laser." It is not a standard term in established physics or defense procurement, and its specifications vary widely across works.

In fictional universes, flasers are typically portrayed as compact and portable weapons or mounted on spacecraft and vehicles. They may produce rapid-fire pulses or single-shot beams capable of burning through armor, vaporizing material, or disrupting shields. Portrayals often hinge on practical constraints such as power supply, cooling requirements, beam focusing, and line-of-sight, with these factors shaping how effective the weapon appears in a given setting. The aesthetics of the beam—color, brightness, and pulse pattern—are also commonly used to convey advanced technology or cinematic impact.

In real-world science and engineering, lasers are used in pulsed applications across research and industry, including nanosecond to femtosecond pulse regimes for materials processing, sensing, and communications. The specific label “flaser” does not correspond to a widely recognized device in technical literature. Instead, the term tends to surface in speculative or entertainment contexts, where it signals a pulsed or flash-like laser concept rather than a defined, real-world system.

See also: directed-energy weapon, pulsed laser, laser rangefinder, LIDAR.