Scientists Develop New Planet Finding Laser
Category: General NewsPosted: May 8, 2008 12:20PM
Author: razor
Every astronomer dreams of finding Earth-like planets orbiting distant stars in deep space - whether they're searching for signs of extraterrestrial life, or trying to find a habitable world that may someday serve as Earth 2. Over the years, vast improvements in planet finding tools have enabled researchers to probe space faster, and with a better degree of accuracy. Now, scientists have developed a dime-sized ultra-high speed laser designed to serve as a frequency comb, which will analyze variations in the color of light emitted by stars to determine if Earth-like planets orbit them. In addition to astrological applications, the new laser may also be adapted to serve as a precision control for optical communications, and can serve as a gas sensor in atmospheric and medical situations.
