There's been a lot of talk about ray guns and we've even seen a whimsical-looking classic model, but now Optima Technology Group says its MEDUSA Mobile Energy Device might someday be able to actually do some serious damage. It's said to work by blasting electrons from a high-powered microwave and laser contraption, punching those particles together into a beam that zaps its targets at the speed of light. Take a look at next page for an animated diagram of this fanciful scenario.

The ambitious company doesn't say whether it has a working prototype of this technology or not, nor does it mention when such a device might be forthcoming. It adds that this advanced weapon might also have civilian uses, such as breaking up an asteroid that threatens Earth. Check out the diagram above to see how MEDUSA might work on military foes. Meanwhile, until we see a working prototype, practical and lethal ray guns will still remain within the realm of sci-fi tech. — Charlie White

Via Danger Room