Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, the Laser comes in two main varieties, either crystalline or gas and both types are capable of delivering an intense beam of electromagnetic radiation. Crystalline Lasers typically use large rods of Ruby or Titanium Sapphire and place a heavy burden on the supply of gemstones. Gas Lasers tend to favour Argon or CO2 and these are held in a tube which is energised by passing an electric current through it.

The main disadvantage of a Laser as a weapon is that its energy can be blocked relatively easily. A century ago this amounted to something as unsophisticated as a fog generator but these days polarising filters are universally employed as a shielding device.

This severe disadvantage however is mitigated by their enormous range and ease of use. Since the velocity of the weapon is the speed of light then no trajectory needs to be calculated and the gun can be aimed directly at its target. For small fast moving targets which are capable of carrying only a limited number of shield units then the Laser has a considerable advantage over a Railgun of the same class.