When a laser beam is intense enough, it can interact with the air around it in ways that lead to surprising effects. According to computer simulations to be published in the 12 November Physical Review Letters, the beam can act like a gas of quantum particles (fermions) or like a liquid droplet--and switch between the two as intensity is increased. Observing this transition in the lab would help researchers confirm that they understand the behavior of high intensity lasers in air, which they hope to use for improved transmission of signals across long distances.
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