Lasgun
the laser weapon of the Imperium
The lasgun was a continuous-wave laser projector, perhaps the most widely used hand weapon in the Imperium. Its great danger lay in shields: contact between a lasgun beam and a Holtzman shield triggered a nuclear explosion that could kill everyone nearby.
A lasgun, also called a laser weapon, was a continuous-wave laser projector and perhaps the most widely used hand-held weapon in the Imperium. It commonly took the form of a pistol or rifle, firing a constant, narrow beam whose nozzle could in some models be adjusted to alter the width and spread. Its power came from a cell cartridge that could be replaced when depleted. Despite its prevalence, the weapon carried a catastrophic risk when used against the personal shields of the Imperium, which shaped the way wars were fought. (Dune; Heretics of Dune)
Form and function#
The lasgun's firing pattern was typically a constant, narrow beam, though the nozzle could sometimes be adjusted to alter the width and spread of the beam. Its size and form varied widely, from small handheld lasguns through long field models to large, armored, heavy-duty weapons. The cutteray was essentially a short-range version of the lasgun, used mostly as a cutting tool and as a surgeon's scalpel. Lasguns had adjustable intensity settings, the highest of which was known as the Maxibeam. During the days of the Old Imperium, lasguns were often ornate, with detailed scrollwork embedded in handles of exotic wood, but by the time of the Honored Matres their designs had become less intricate and more functional. (Dune; Heretics of Dune; Chapterhouse: Dune)
The danger of shields#
Lasguns were the preferred weapon for armies, but when shields were in use they were generally avoided, because the contact reaction between a lasgun beam and a shield created a nuclear explosion, subatomic fusion in the glossary's words, that often killed everyone within a large radius. This single fact reshaped warfare under the Faufreluches. With personal shields in common use, many soldiers and assassins came to prefer knives and swords in combat, both because such blades could safely penetrate a shield and because of a renewed appreciation for the art of swordsmanship. (Dune)
Frequently asked questions
- What is a lasgun?
- A lasgun, also called a laser weapon, was a continuous-wave laser projector and perhaps the most widely used hand-held weapon in the Imperium. It commonly took the form of a pistol or rifle, firing a constant narrow beam, and its power came from a cell cartridge that could be replaced when depleted.
- What happens when a lasgun beam hits a shield?
- The contact reaction between a lasgun beam and a shield created a nuclear explosion that often killed everyone within a large radius. This single fact reshaped warfare under the Faufreluches.
- Why did soldiers in the Imperium use knives and swords?
- With personal shields in common use, lasguns were generally avoided because of the catastrophic explosion they caused on contact with a shield. Many soldiers and assassins came to prefer knives and swords, both because such blades could safely penetrate a shield and because of a renewed appreciation for the art of swordsmanship.
- What forms did the lasgun take?
- The lasgun's size and form varied widely, from small handheld models through long field rifles to large armored, heavy-duty weapons. The novels mention handheld lasguns, long field models and heavy weapons, and lasguns had adjustable intensity settings, the highest of which was known as the Maxibeam.
- What was a cutteray?
- The cutteray was essentially a short-range version of the lasgun. It was used mostly as a cutting tool and as a surgeon's scalpel.
Gallery
Images via Dune Wiki
Sources
- BookDune, Frank Herbert, Chilton Books, 1965
- BookHeretics of Dune, Frank Herbert, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1984
- BookChapterhouse: Dune, Frank Herbert, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1985
Spotted a factual error or a primary source we missed? Email a correction. Every flagged claim gets reviewed.
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