Most people don’t turn on their car’s headlights and think, I wish they were brighter. Shuji Nakamura is not most people.
The Nobel Prize-winning illumination scientist has spent the past five years developing a laser-based lighting system. His company, SLD Laser, says the new design is 10 times brighter than today’s LED lights, capable of illuminating objects a kilometer away while using less power than any current technology. And unlike a regular, dumb headlight, the laser can potentially be integrated into current and forthcoming driver-assistance systems.
Do headlights need to be brighter?
(Score: 3, Interesting) by Phoenix666 on Wednesday January 16 2019, @12:19PM (4 children)
Since they came out with those insanely bright blue headlights I have fantasized about mounting rear-facing klieg lights on my cargo rack that automatically switch on when those people come up behind me. A crazy loud infrasonic speaker/LRAD to rattle their car would underscore the message.
Washington DC delenda est.
(Score: 2) by RS3 on Wednesday January 16 2019, @04:05PM (1 child)
Yep, that and a rear-facing sprayer that would first spray syrup at the tailgater's windshield, and if that doesn't back them off, then cooking oil. All that said, I rarely pay attention to what's behind me.
(Score: 2) by Phoenix666 on Wednesday January 16 2019, @05:19PM
You're not paranoid enough.
Washington DC delenda est.
(Score: 2) by toddestan on Thursday January 17 2019, @04:22AM
I always thought a couple of mirrors that could be adjusted to reflect their own headlights back into their faces would get the point across very nicely.
(Score: 2) by dry on Thursday January 17 2019, @07:22AM
That's what adjustable mirrors are for. Adjust your side mirror to aim that light right back and see how quickly drivers back off.