Talk:Directed-energy weapon

Sentinal Beam Properties
I'm of the opinion that we need to change the designation of the Sentinal Beam from Laser-based to Particle or maybe Plasma-based. Lasers, being comprised of photons, do not possess the necessary mass to move a solid object. This obviously excludes hard light or the supposition of a very small targeted mass. The Sentinal Beam has the capability to push a Warthog or Mongoose over with little trouble; especially so when more than one is used. This suggests a continuous stream of matter, relatively dense, high-energy matter.

A continuous stream of plasma is the more likely of the two possible alternatives to being a Laser. A continuous stream of high-energy plasma would require a very long and very strong magentic "tube" to contain and direct. Generation of such a tube is entirely possible with the Forerunner's technological superiority. It could also be possible that such an apparently high-density plasma stream would require the use of a specialized elemental isotope or manufactured gas, explaining why the Beam would run out of ammunition: the Sentinal that the weapon is attatched to possesses the manufacturing or filtering plant necessary to arm the device, and when it is removed the beam no longer has an infinite ammunition supply.

For your consideration, --Bruce2401 22:34, 28 February 2011 (EST)