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The Geneva arms control talks have adjourned without breaking down, which is something to be grateful for. The negotiators should spend their break deciding where to go from here.
Lasers were first constructed 25 years ago. An historical account and some recent work appear in this issue. There can hardly ever have been an instrument that so quickly became pervasive.
Although too often associated in people's minds with star wars weaponry the laser has become an invaluable tool in many varied and peaceful applications.