The PHASR rifle is an American weapon that is neither intended to kill nor injure. Its purpose is to immobilize someone without killing them or causing them any bodily harm.
This can be done by temporarily blinding the person he is considered a target.
Its initials mean Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response and it has been developed in the American Air Force Research Laboratory.
So far there are two prototypes which are being tested by the country’s army. In order to be allowed to use it, it must be licensed after inspections by the United Nations. The United Nations Protocol prohibits the use of such devices if they cause permanent harm to persons. And that is why so far devices of this type have been banned in the past. However, this protocol does not prohibit the use of devices that blind the perpetrator unless they are only temporary.
This weapon will be able to temporarily blind the enemy by using laser beams which are not sharp enough. So we understand that these will be low power. The weapon will also be able to automatically calculate its distance from the target so that it does not activate if it is close. Because there is a risk that if these rays are used close or for a long time against the perpetrators, then it can cause permanent damage.
More details on how it works have not been published yet.
[Source: www.newscientist.com]
