hardlight

Hardlight is a term used in the field of optics and laser technology to describe a phenomenon where light is confined to a narrow region, typically within a few wavelengths of its original path. This effect is often observed in high-intensity laser beams, where the light's intensity is so high that it causes the medium through which it travels to become ionized. The ionization process creates a plasma channel that guides the light, effectively trapping it within a narrow path.

The concept of hardlight was first proposed by John A. S. Adams and Robert L. Forward in 1977. They suggested that a high-intensity laser beam could be used to create a plasma channel in the Earth's atmosphere, which could then be used to guide a second, lower-intensity laser beam. This second beam would be confined to the plasma channel, allowing it to travel much further than it would otherwise be able to.

Hardlight has potential applications in a variety of fields, including laser weapons, laser communications, and laser-based propulsion systems. However, it also raises significant safety and environmental concerns, as the creation of a plasma channel in the atmosphere could potentially disrupt radio communications and cause other unintended effects.

In summary, hardlight is a phenomenon where light is confined to a narrow region, typically within a few wavelengths of its original path. It is created by the ionization of the medium through which the light travels, which results in the formation of a plasma channel. Hardlight has potential applications in a variety of fields, but also raises significant safety and environmental concerns.