They are literally decaying as we speak and the heat they generate affects the components of the weapons every day.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Senator Kyl on nuclear deterrence

What is certain is that the limitless imagination of mankind has turned science fiction heat rays into the near future reality of weapons on the battleground.

FORBES: Ray Guns Beam from H.G. Wells to Kickstarter and Beyond

One provider, SegaSoft, aims to make money on its Heat gaming network (heat.net) by selling players the virtual weapons they must use in cyberspace: the more you spend, the bigger your virtual bang, thwack or kaboom.

ECONOMIST: How to make friends and kill them

Interviews show that weapons scientists assumed they would be back in business once the heat was off.

ECONOMIST: But there was still plenty going on that shouldn't have been

And interviews show that Saddam's weapons scientists assumed they would be back in business once the heat was off.

ECONOMIST: Draw your own conclusions | The