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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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Laser weapons emit a highly focused, high energy beam of light which on impact produces a rapid temperature change on the target's surface, causing vaporisation in the form of a small explosion. The beam itself lasts for only a short duration, creating a searing flash of light and distinctive snap or crack sound as air is ionised. Energy for each shot is stored within a fast discharge generator, taking up most of the weapon's mechanism, and regulates the power of each beam to prevent overpowering and improve reliability.{{Fn|1}} However, some would argue the las weapons are less consistent to ballistic projectile weapons, one point being that the power fluctuates from shot to shot.{{Fn|7}}
Rechargeable power packs feed the discharge generator, each of which usually consist of a highly efficient liquid metal core and vary in size and capacity depending on their usage. Light internal power packs, used in lasguns and pistols, on average are good for forty shots; large crate-sized power packs used in lascannons, in order to maintain maximum power output efficiency, need replacing after every shot. Overpowered laser packs, also known as [[Hotshot Laser Power Pack|"Hotshot"]] power packs, contain a more potent charge but provide less shots than a normal power pack, as well as putting extra stress on the barrel and being more difficult to recharge.{{Fn|1}} An old Guardsman trick that puritanical [[tech-adept]]s would decry as unsanctioned behaviour, is to place power packs dangerously close to a campfire to recharge a few extra shots overnight, while risking damage to internal components.{{Fn|8}}
Most worlds produce their own distinct laser designs made from locally available materials and containing their own unique features, such as solar converters to recharge power packs and various types of optic sights. These designs can range from highly ornate, hand-crafted dueling pistols to robust service weapons issued to the Imperial Guard.{{Fn|1}} By being tuned to a blue-green frequency, Lasers weapons can operate underwater.{{Fn|6}}
The production of some more unusual and unspecified Imperial heavy las weaponry utilizes [[prismata crystals]] in their manufacturing process. Because of this, these red glowing crystals are expensive and highly sought after in order to make lucrative sales to the right buyers.{{Fn|4}}
===Charge Pack===
[[File:Lasgun and charge pack.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lasgun and a spare charge pack{{Fn|9}}]]
'''Charge packs''' are the ammunition power source for many Imperial las weapons.{{Fn|9}}
A major advantage of las weapons is the rechargeable power cells of their charge packs. Las charge packs can be refilled by connecting them to most Imperial Standard power sockets. These can also be recharged through exposure to light, heat, and even naked flame, however, doing so shortens the pack's lifespan and risks upsetting the weapon's [[machine spirit]].{{Fn|9}}
PLacing a these power packs around a campfire overnight is an old Guardsman trick that can recharge a few extra shots overnight. Some of the more puritanical [[tech-adept]]s would readily decry this unsanctioned behaviour, as placing power packs dangerously close to a campfire risks damaging the valuable internal components.{{Fn|8}}
==Types of laser weapons==
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Assassinorum: Kingmaker (Novel)]], Chapter 24
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Dominion Genesis (Novel)]]: ''The Wastes'', Chapter 2
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Wrath & Glory Core Rulebook]], pg. 221
[[Category:Weapons by Type]]
[[de:Laserwaffen]]
[[fr:Arme Laser]]
