Space lasers in science fiction are tricky things. The reason for this is that there are myriad examples of ray guns, laser weapons and death beams scattered throughout the genre of science fiction. However, buried beneath this race of fictional arms lies a wealth of creative thought dedicated to the use of lasers in space. From the simple use of lasers as directional communication devices, to the use of huge, planet-scale lasers to destroy space debris or even rework the face of a planet or moon, the creators of science fiction have come up with any number of ingenious ways to use laser-based devices. A variation of the solar-sail concept introduced by Arthur C. Clarke in his book "The Wind from the Sun" allows a laser beam to be used instead of sunlight as a means of pushing a light sail. The type of large laser needed for this could also be used to transmit power from one point in the Solar System to another.

Perhaps the most versatile example of space lasers in science fiction is the phaser technology from the "Star Trek" television show and series of films. Although ostensibly a weapon system, phasers end up being used as a heat source on missions to planets, to cut holes in walls to escape hazards, and even as a means of transmitting energy to other locations. This is a good example of how, with a little thought, a basic ray gun can actually be used for many other purposes.

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