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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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lasguns can be fired on auto; deleted sentence
==Workings==
Lasweapons emit a tightly focused beam of light, forming a high energy, short duration pulse which produces such a rapid change in temperature on the target that it vaporises in a small explosion. Most of the mechanism of a lasweapon is taken up by the fast discharge generator, which projects the light-beam as fast as possible to prevent loss of power while still in the weapon itself. The power of the beam can be controlled easily, making for a very reliable weapon. The visible output from a lasweapon depends on the power level, but is generally seen as a searing flash of light accompanied by a distinctive 'snap' or 'crack' noise (possibly similar to a volley of real-life early black powder weaponry). The lasgun and laspistol both have power packs with multiple available shots, but each fire one shot per pulling of the trigger. Given a good firing drill, lasguns can maintain a high rate of fire.
The power packs themselves feed the discharge generator, and come as rechargable packs or batteries. Usually these come as a highly efficient liquid metal core and range from small packs for lasguns and laspistols to crate sized for lascannons and larger lasweapons. Most light power packs provide forty shots, compared to the lascannon packs which are good for only one shot. They can be overpowered, so-called 'Hotshot' packs, providing greater damage but at a reduced number of shots. These cannot easily be recharged due to the higher energy requirements and extra stress is put on the barrel which makes maintenance harder. Some power packs can be charged with solar converters, but in an emergency a pack can be placed in a fire. the thermal heat transferring into energy. This method is very dangerous as the pack is likely to deform or even explode if left in the fire for too long.
