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From: random@cbnewse.ATT.COM (Random @ rebmA)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Radar gun zapper: fact or fiction?
Message-ID: <12347@cbnewse.ATT.COM>
Date: 29 Dec 89 16:14:37 GMT
References: <74719@psuecl.bitnet>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 33

From article <74719@psuecl.bitnet>, by peg@psuecl.bitnet (PAUL E. GANTER):
> Hey!  I know the following may sound crazy--I am doubtful myself.
> 
Your inherrent wisdom shines through.


> My stepfather was recently talking to a long-haul trucker at a truck
> stop.  The guy told a tale about blasting radar guns using a very simple
> device.  Apparently the guy had an ordinary fluorescent tube mounted
> in a reflector, with no power applied.  He had copper strip wrapped
> around the tube with a regular spacing.  He placed the device inside
> his windshield facing forward, and when hit with a radar gun....
> 
>                    POOF!!
Since I know only basic theory, I'll be the first to come up with
an explaination of how this might work (instead of all the reasons
it can't).

The 'reflector' was of a material and curvature/size ratio to properly
focus a majority of the incomming microwave radiation on the (reasonably
intact) fluorescent tube. The fact the the tube is unpowered is not
relevant since that would just give us visible spectrum, and we need a
microwave spectrum. But the phosphor coating in the tube would be
Stimulated to Emit Radiation, and would therefore be a Microwave
Amplifier. And we would call this device a . . . MASER, yea, thats
the ticket. And I own, no make, no HOLD THE PATENT on it, yea, and
I'm working a deal to sell it to. . . to Iran for a mil A BILLION
dollars and be a hero like Oliie North who is my role model, no
good buddy, no EMPLOYEE, yea.

	Random
	:^)