Yale Scientist Builds World's First "Anti-Laser"

While it may sound like a retro-1950's science fiction machine, this new "anti-laser" has several fascinating applications in next generation technologies. As the first device capable of trapping and canceling out laser beams, the anti-laser will probably find its way into optical computing as the most obvious application.

However, I find the anti-laser's ability to generate heat and electricity far more interesting though. In essence, you could transmit power over the laser instead of over cables. For example, NASA has considered firing lasers at probes that explore our solar system as a way to propel them faster. An anti-laser would allow the probe to use that very laser as an additional energy source to its solar panels. You're hitting two very crucial birds with one stone. 

Very promising stuff with probably many civilian and military applications we can't see now. Yale scientist Douglas Stone claims his anti-laser won't be able to be used as a military laser shield against future technology. However, his research might be an interesting step in that direction.

For those more interested in the physics, IEEE.org has a better article than Reuters.