A group of researchers at NIST working with engineers from Colorado-based Scientech has developed a new approach to measuring laser power using a mirror and a scale. This method, which measures the ...

If humans are ever going to live beyond Earth, they'll need to construct habitats. But transporting enough industrial material to create livable spaces would be incredibly challenging and expensive.

Tractor beams, a staple of science fiction, may be moving closer to science fact. In a paper published earlier this spring, physicists have proposed a structure that may enable light to pull objects.

Pure beams: Researchers are using the high-power lasers in the Gemini laser facility to selectively accelerate carbon ions. (Courtesy: Central Laser Facility, STFC) Researchers at Queen’s University ...

Radiation poisoning happens when you’re exposed to extremely high radiation levels, like those caused by a nuclear explosion. Early symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Later, it causes organ damage.

Radiation is energy that moves from one place to another in a form that can be described as waves or particles. We are exposed to radiation in our everyday life. Some of the most familiar sources of ...

THE success of Lebedeff and Nichols and Hull in recognising and measuring the pressure of radiation has aroused much interest in radiation pressure generally, real or apparent. It has some interesting ...

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in ...