The high average power infrared Free Electron Laser (FEL) provides intense beams of laser light that can be tuned to atmosphere-penetrating wavelengths.

FORBES: U.S. Navy Pioneers Next-Gen Electric Weaponry

Moreover, engineers have worked out how to make laser beams more intense by using short lengths of optical fibre to narrow the beam.

ECONOMIST: Monitor

With graphene as a component instead of traditional materials, scientists could develop a laser as small as a pencil that's immune to thermal damage typically caused by intense beams.

ENGADGET