As a researcher on Ronald Reagan’s abortive “Star Wars” anti-ballistic missile programme in the 1980s, Ray Schaefer had to learn all about how laser beams interact with surfaces. Now he is applying his extensive knowledge to a very different task: making old houses safe for children.
Instead of trying to blast holes in Soviet missiles, powerful pulses from a new type of light source Schaefer has developed can vaporise lead paint that might poison incautious youngsters.
Once widely used in housing, lead paint is now banned in most countries because of its toxicity. However, it is still be found in…
