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Microwave Drill Heats And Pokes
A microwave drill has been created by clever inventors Eli Jerby and his colleagues at Tel Aviv University. The device can make holes ranging in size from a millimeter to a centimeter.
(Microwave drill technology)
The device uses a different kind of technology than lasers, for example. The device uses microwaves to heat up a small area, and then a needle is pushed through the weakened area. Rocks and concrete seem to be the perfect use for the device.
In terms of its effects, science fiction readers might think of the cutteray, the laser mining tool from Frank Herbert's Dune, or even the light saber, which I seem to recall was very useful in punching holes through tough materials.
From Microwave Drill Technology via Core77; thanks to Moira for the tip.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 7/14/2008)
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