Can anyone else see that law enforcement would love to have these on our streets?

This could be a precursor to a vaporization weapon. In the meantime, scientist are working on a handheld short range weapon for law enforcement officials.

Potential for abuse is expected to be very high. We have already seen the damage that ‘non lethal’ stun guns do in the hands of over-zealous police officers.

I already saw an example of this weapon on Discovery channel. They were doing a special on defensive weapons. The host was treated to the effects of the weapon, which was done on camera. He discribed the effect as a sensory attack, you feel a combination of heat and buzzing the effect of which just makes you want to move and leave the area that it is pointed at. There is no damage permanent to people other than the temporary discomfort. This is designed to be used to disperse crowds without hurting anyone. It seems to be the least damaging of any crowd control weapon anyone has seen out there.

And 'spirithiker' you can relax on the Vapourizer weapon talk, it cannot come from this type of weapon. Chill buddy!

Oh, pain and discomfort, I see. Have you ever been in a riot situation. What happens if someone falls or gets trapped in a corner and is subjected to this pain ray for more than a few minutes? What if instead of dispersing a crowd it enrages it?

The fact that the US military is working on such weapons is disturbing to say the least. And pain and discomfort is part of torture.

If scientist are willing to create an atrocity such as this, you can bet they would love to create a vaporizing type weapon. Just to see if they could do it. But I guarantee the military would grab it up in a heartbeat.