Directed-energy weapons

type of weapon that fires a concentrated beam of energy at its target

directed-energy weapon system based on lasers

weapon that uses soundwaves to discomfort, capacitate or kill opponents

UK laser weapon technology demonstrator

hypothetical type of weapon

An electrolaser is a type of electroshock weapon that is also a directed-energy weapon. It uses lasers to form an electrically conductive laser-induced plasma channel (LIPC). A fraction of a second later, a powerful electric current is sent down this plasma channel and delivered to the target, thus functioning overall as a large-scale, high energy, long-distance version of the Taser electroshock gun.

Anti-missile system using x-ray laser powered by a nuclear bomb

type of Directed-energy weapon, Counter unmanned air system

The ZKZM-500 is the subject of a July 2018 article in the South China Morning Post describing a laser gun purported to have been developed by Chinese researchers of the Xian Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shaanxi. The article described the device in conflicting terms, both as "non-lethal" but also capable of "instant carbonisation of human skin and tissues". SCMP also published a video demonstrating what appeared to be a laser setting fire to various objects at tens of meters distance.