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Technology

Portable pain weapon may end up in police hands

By Paul Marks

30 September 2009

Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Not a crowd pleaser

(Image: Saul Loeb/Getty)

Focused infrared beams produce a painful heat spot on an arm

Focused infrared beams produce a painful heat spot on an arm

(Image: US Department of Defence)

The latest version of the Department of Defence's Thermal Laser System

The latest version of the Department of Defence’s Thermal Laser System

(Image: US Department of Defence)

THE Pentagon’s efforts to develop a beam weapon that can deter an adversary by causing a burning sensation on their skin has taken a step forward with the development of a small, potentially hand-held, version. The weapon, which is claimed to cause no permanent harm, could also end up being used by police to control civilians.

The idea of the weapon…

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