Editing Laser

'''Laser''' stands for "'''L'''ight '''A'''mplification by '''S'''timulated '''E'''mission of '''R'''adiation", or a device that focuses an amplified beam of light on a small surface area. Lasers are popular weapons due to their low cost compared to other energy weapons and because they do not rely on ammunition, which simplifies logistics. Laser rifles are one of the most effective weapons [[infantry]] units have when fighting vehicles or [['Mechs]].

== Standard Lasers ==
Standard lasers were introduced during the [[Age of War]] and cause damage by firing an intense beam of light at a target, flooding concentrated energy in the form of heat, which can melt material and overwhelm heat-sensitive electronics.  The various Clan militaries do not use standard lasers, having phased them out in favor of more advanced laser types. All standard lasers are typically grouped into three broad classes based on their range and damage potential:
* [[Small Laser]]
* [[Medium Laser]]
* [[Large Laser]]

===Primitive Lasers===
These standard small and medium lasers are considered to be prototype systems in the year [[2290]]. Small and medium lasers entered full production in [[2300]]. While they function identically to their production counterparts, they generate twice the heat when fired. The large laser was prototyped in [[2306]] and reached full production in [[2310]].<ref name="IO">''Interstellar Operations'', p. 118: "Prototype Weapon Dates for Basic Weapons"</ref>

== Binary Laser Cannon ==
Nicknamed the Blazer, the [[Binary Laser Cannon]] was an experimental system widely regarded as a dead-end technology.  Essentially two standard large laser systems combined to fire at once, the Blazer proved inefficient, combining high heat levels (200% of a large laser) with little increase to damage potential (50% increase over standard large laser). With the reintroduction of the [[double heat sink]], this technology has reentered production and relevance, though on a small scale.

== Pulse Lasers ==
'''Pulse lasers''' differ from traditional laser weaponry, in that instead of firing one powerful beam, they maintain several laser beams fired off in quick succession. While offering an overall increased rate of fire, the heat output also increases accordingly. Pulse lasers increase damage because they allow vaporized armor to dissipate from the location of damage. This allows subsequent pulses to reach the target area without being diffused by the vapor.

Pulse lasers were initially developed for use by the [[SLDF]] during the Star League Era.  Like much of the advanced technology of the period, the ability to make pulse lasers was lost to the [[Inner Sphere]] during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]].  It was only with the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] that the various Inner Sphere powers could reproduce the technology. Clan pulse lasers, perfected by [[Clan Nova Cat]] during the [[Golden Century]], were developed from the original Star League era models and tend to weigh less and shoot farther than comparable Inner Sphere models.

Both the Inner Sphere and [[Clans]] use the three most common size of pulse laser ([[Small Pulse Laser|small]], [[Medium Pulse Laser|medium]], [[Large Pulse Laser|large]]). The Clans also use the [[Micro Pulse Laser]], created by [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] before their Annihilation.

=== ER Pulse Lasers ===
The technicians of [[Clan Wolf]] were interested in creating an improved pulse laser with extended range. Unlike their Inner Sphere counterparts, who simply pumped more energy into a standard pulse laser, the Wolf techs combined the best features of their Pulse and Extended range lasers to create the ER Pulse Laser family. The events of the [[Refusal War]] and the creation of [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]] interrupted production.<ref>''Tactical Operations, p. 320''</ref>

=== Laser Anti-Missile System ===
The [[Laser AMS]] is a prototype technology that marries [[AMS]] tracking systems with a modified small pulse laser.  It exists in both Clan and Inner Sphere variants.

=== Variable Speed Pulse Lasers ===
Developed by [[Word of Blake]] and [[Free Worlds League]] technicians, the '''Variable Speed Pulse Laser''' ('''VSP''') family have only been seen on a few units when they first appeared during the [[Jihad]]. Similar to a [[Snub-Nose PPC]] the VSP inflicts more damage at close range in exchange for a drop-off in damage at longer ranges. Unlike the Snub-Nose PPC, which fires a single bolt of energy, the modified pulse laser system can alter the speed of the pulses fired based on the distance to the target. This allows the Variable Speed Laser to generate more damage and increase the odds of a hit at short range, but the damage and hit probabilities drop off at medium and long range.<ref>''Tactical Operations, p. 321''</ref>

Variable Speed Lasers initially were available only to the Word of Blake and Free Worlds League Military in [[Small Variable Speed Pulse Laser|small]], [[Medium Variable Speed Pulse Laser|medium]], and [[Large Variable Speed Pulse Laser|large]] sizes. After the Jihad, the weapons would soon be used throughout the [[Inner Sphere]] by the [[thirty-second century]].

=== X-Pulse Lasers ===
'''X-Pulse Lasers''' are an attempt by [[Federated Commonwealth]] technicians to increase the range of Pulse Lasers to compete with the longer ranges of similar Clan models. X-Pulse lasers are not a new weapon per se, but an upgrade to Pulse Lasers that pushes extra energy through the system in order to extend the range. X-Pulse lasers also build up tremendous heat but this has been considered a necessary drawback for their extended range. The [[Large X-Pulse Laser|large]], [[Medium X-Pulse Laser|medium]], and [[Small X-Pulse Laser|small X-pulse laser]]s were still in the prototype stage during the [[Jihad]].<ref>''Maximum Tech, p. 92''</ref><ref>''Tactical Operations, p. 321''</ref> However, just before the war ended, they would enter limited production in [[3078]].<ref>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 207: Jihad Technology Advancement Table - X-Lasers are rerated as Advanced Technology</ref> By 3145, the weapon Class would become standard technology and enter mass production.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 10: Dark Age Technology Advancement Table - X-Lasers rerated from Advanced Technology to Standard, effectively becoming mass produced</ref>

There is currently no information on whether the X-Pulse modification can be made to other Pulse Lasers, such as the Clan Pulse Lasers, the Re-Engineered Lasers, or Micro Pulse Lasers.

=== Re-Engineered Lasers ===
'''Re-Engineered Lasers''' were developed by the [[Federated Suns]] in [[3130]] by trying to mate a pulse laser with a Clan Heavy Laser. Though unsuccessful in that effort the weapons created had one odd benefit: They totally ignored specialty anti-laser armors, inflicting their full damage on a unit equipped with such armor. The twin pulses fired by a Re-Engineered Laser hit so close together on a target that they bore straight through [[Reflective Armor]], [[Hardened Armor]], and [[Ferro-Lamellor Armor]]. The Federated Suns quickly put [[Small Re-Engineered Laser|small]], [[Medium Re-Engineered Laser|medium]], and [[Large Re-Engineered Laser|large]] versions into production.<ref>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 244</ref>

=== RISC Laser Pulse Module ===
The [[RISC Laser Pulse Module]] was an experimental piece of equipment that could be mounted alongside any Standard or Extended Range laser, effectively turning that weapon into a Pulse Laser.<ref>[[Interstellar Operations]]</ref> It had downsides, however, such as increase in heat which firing and the fact it occupied valuable space. It is currently unknown (and not even mentioned in most official material) if Chemical Lasers, Bombast Lasers, or even Target Acquisition Gear can be modified in this way, but it is most likely that they cannot.

===Prototype Pulse Lasers===
Pulse lasers went into their prototype phase circa [[2595]].<ref name="IOp73">''Interstellar Operations'', p. 73: "Pulse Lasers-P"</ref> It took over a decade and a half to get to the state of production grade pulse lasers in [[2609]].<ref name="IOp73">''Interstellar Operations'', p. 73: "Pulse Lasers-P"</ref> Unlike "normal" pulse lasers, prototype lasers only offer a -1 hit modifier in [[CBT]] play. They also randomly run hotter than a standard pulse laser, (roll a die, divide its value by 2, and round down for extra heat generated) as a result of the less refined technology.<ref name="IOp73">''Interstellar Operations'', p. 73: "Pulse Lasers-P"</ref>

== Extended-Range Lasers ==
As the name suggests, the '''Extended-Range''' (or '''ER''') laser variants increases the power of the beam to project it to much farther ranges.  This effect is achieved via three-stage firing process which occurs over the course of nanoseconds.  An initial targeting laser pulse is immediately followed by a second, more powerful pulse that destroys dust and other particulates along the firing path, clearing the way for the final full-powered beam to damage the enemy.  However the additional power necessary to facilitate this process generates a greatly increased quantity of waste heat as well. The end result is a laser weapon with an approximately 33% greater reach and that generates 50% more waste heat than its standard counterpart.<ref name=ER2750>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 99</ref>

The first ER laser system, the [[ER Large Laser]], was initially created for use by the Star League and widely produced across the Inner Sphere; development of smaller ER systems was not pursued at the time as it was deemed unnecessary and overlapping with previous laser weapons.<ref name=ER2750/>  Much like the pulse laser, the ER laser was lost to the Inner Sphere due to the Succession Wars.  The Clans continued to improve the ER Laser, resulting in ER lasers in [[ER Medium Laser|medium]] and [[ER Small Laser|small]] varieties. The current Clan versions of these weapons were perfected by the Nova Cats during the Golden Century.  With the recovery of the Helm Memory Core, the Inner Sphere once again began producing ER large lasers.  Thanks to salvage from Clan machines, the Inner Sphere has also been able to replicate their own version of ER medium and ER small lasers.

Both the Inner Sphere and Clans use the three most common size of Extended Range laser. Typically the Clan versions of these weapons inflict more damage to the target than their Inner Sphere counterparts. The Clans also use the [[ER Micro Laser]].

== Heavy Lasers ==
[[Clan Star Adder]] developed the family of '''Heavy Lasers''' in [[3059]] as a way of packing more punch into a relatively small package. All heavy lasers, however, build a tremendous amount of heat and interfere with a [['Mech]]'s sensors. Only the Clans use heavy lasers. They come in [[Heavy Small Laser|small]], [[Heavy Medium Laser|medium]] and [[Heavy Large Laser|large]] varieties, but do not have a Micro version, nor do they have an ER or Pulse counterpart.

=== [[Improved Heavy Large Laser|Improved Heavy Lasers]] ===
After the Star Adders introduced their heavy lasers, the other Clans started projects to duplicate or improve on them. [[Clan Goliath Scorpion]] was the first Clan to introduce in [[3069]] an effective '''Improved Heavy Laser''', but it still possessed several tradeoffs that some warriors wouldn't accept. Most notable of these, it could explode if it suffered critical damage, much like a Gauss Rifle.

=== [[RISC Hyper Laser]] ===
Intended to be the ultimate in BattleMech laser technology, the prototype ''Hyper Laser'' was developed by RISC engineers in the 3130s using technology from heavy lasers, but the project was presumably canceled after many problems arose, such as its immense heat output (equivalent to three large lasers being fired at once), and a worryingly frequent tendency to explode.<ref>''Interstellar Operations'', p. 93</ref>

== Chemical Lasers ==
In the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, humanity developed the first lasers for combat units. Based on chemical processes, these lasers were bulky and expensive. The chemicals used to create the laser beam were also toxic and dangerous to handle. For these reasons, when reliable fusion power plants became available, '''chemical laser''' systems were retired, and became little more than a footnote in weapon development history.

In [[3059]], the [[Clan Hell's Horses]] Scientist and Technician Castes received a mandate from their [[Khan]]: Find a way to make lasers that didn't need power amplifiers. With the preponderance of combat vehicles in [[Clan Hell's Horses Touman|their ''touman'']], the Hell's Horses Khans wanted to devote more vehicle tonnage to weapons and armor instead of the power amplifiers required by units lacking fusion engines. The scientists and technicians weren't able to find any way to meet their Khans instructions until one of them stumbled across the ancient accounts of chemical lasers. Though the chemical processes still required toxic chemicals, improvements in materials technology allowed the Hell's Horses Scientists and Techs to create an improved lasing chamber that could accept "shells" that contained the toxic chemicals and isolated them from the crew. These "chemical shells" were then mated to an ammunition handling system derived from [[Autocannon|autocannons]] long used by the Horses, allowing the chemical laser systems to fire a beam of laser energy at a target without requiring a fusion engine or power amplifiers.

The chemical laser was deemed a success by the Khans, and production of [[Small Chemical Laser|small]], [[Medium Chemical Laser|medium]], and [[Large Chemical Laser|large]] variants started immediately. Though these chemical lasers have the performance profile of standard [[Inner Sphere]] laser systems and can actually run out of ammunition, they can be refitted onto [[internal combustion engine]] or [[fuel cell]] powered vehicles without requiring additional power amplifiers, and can be equipped on ProtoMechs without counting against their Heat Capacity. In combat, the chemical lasers have more in common with autocannon or other ballistic weapons than fusion powered lasers, including the fact that they can't be used in strafing attacks.<ref>''Tactical Operations, pp. 319–320''</ref>

There is currently not an Extended Range, Pulse, Heavy or Micro version of the chemical laser.

== Naval Lasers ==
The '''Naval Laser''' ('''NL''') systems used aboard [[WarShips]] and planetary defense systems ([[SDS]]) are massive versions of the standard laser systems used on [['Mechs]] and other [[combat vehicles]]. In addition their huge size makes them impractical for targeting small craft or [[aerospace fighter]]s; Like their [[Naval PPC]] and [[Naval Autocannon]] counterparts they can only target sub-500 ton craft with extreme difficulty.<ref>''Technical Readout: 2750, p. 122'': Explicitly states that these weapons may only fire on [[DropShip]]-sized or larger targets</ref><ref>''Total Warfare, p. 303: provides to-hit penalty to capital weapons info</ref> In addition, Naval Lasers were often used in by [[Terran Hegemony]] [[Space Defense System|Space Defense Systems]] to defend important worlds.<ref>''BattleSpace'' rulebook, p. 38</ref>

=== Sub-Capital Lasers ===
Engineers working for the [[Word of Blake]] created these weapons in [[3073]]. Derived from the huge Naval Lasers mounted on WarShips, the Sub-Capital Laser family was designed to be used on a DropShip sized platform. These weapons could also be mounted on WarShips, space stations, or be used as part of a Space Defense System.

By mounting these weapons on a [[Pocket WarShip]], the Word of Blake was able to create combat vessels that could challenge WarShips in their own environment. In addition, these Sub-Capital weapons were considerably smaller and less expensive than their larger counterparts, which made repairing a damaged WarShip much easier.

== Infantry Laser Weapons ==
Miniature versions of standard lasers, they come in the form of pistols, rifles, or support weapons.{{cn}}

== Heat Management ==
Lasers, like all energy weapons, can produce considerable heat. A few different technologies were specifically developed to help with this, but two very unique ones were the [[Laser Heat Sink]] and the [[Laser Insulator]].

==See Also==
* [[:Category:Lasers|Laser Category]]

== References ==
<references />

==Bibliography==
* ''[[BattleSpace]]''
* ''[[Era Report: 2750]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
* ''[[Maximum Tech]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Tactical Operations]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]''
* ''[[Total Warfare]]''


[[Category:Weapons]]