LASER - Acronym for Light
Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Although
the first laser was actually built in 1960, the concept for a
laser like device has been used by sci-fi writers since the
early part of the century. Because the laser can cut through
steel and be used for anti-aircraft and satellite defense, it
has been a natural weapon of choice for aliens and spacemen of
all kinds. On LOST IN SPACE/CBS/1965-68 the standard weapons
onboard the spacecraft Jupiter II were laser hand guns and
rifles. On SPACE:1999/SYN/1975-77 the perimeter of Moonbase
Alpha was protected by five computer remote-controlled laser
cannons (with a range of 100 miles) and mobile lunar laser
tanks. In addition, all 311 men and women of Moonbase Alpha
were given standard issued hand held stun guns that emitted a
light beam. Security team members carried a special version of
the gun that not only stunned but killed.
Lost in Space Laser Rifles
On BATTLESTAR
GALACTICA/ABC/1978-80 laser cannons were mounted onboard the
huge spaceship Galactica and its smaller colonial viper
spacecrafts to thwart attacking Cylon fighters. On the episode
"Man With Nine Lives," a fanatical Borellian cult known as the
"Nomen" used Laser Bolas which emitted a phosphorus like
explosion when the two spinning balls finally collided on its
target. On U.F.O./SYN/1969 each invading UFO craft were
equipped with a directional laser cannon. The aliens also used
rapid fire rifles that released 200 explosive capsules per
minute in either atmosphere or vacuum.
The British sci-fi
series DOCTOR WHO/SYN/1963-90 featured an alien race known as
the Daleks. They had long rifle like extensions on their salt
& pepper shaped bodies that fired a killer laser beam. Their
popular catchphrase was a garbled "Exterminate, Exterminate."
See also "Phasers"
