Experiment - The Application of Lasers to Disrupt a Virus

Based on some research being conducted out at Arizona State University (I believe). I drafted this for school, but I would like to see it go places. I do not claim this work as my own per se.

Spring Research Project �" Final Draft

Derek Snyder, 5/17/2010

 

- Question:  How do oscillated lasers affect a virus?

 

- Hypothesis:  When tuned to a frequency of x hertz, a laser would disrupt the molecules of a given virion, causing it to burst.

 

- Rational:  Light is generally treated as a wave, and as such, it has frequency (or cycles per second, which is measured in hertz).  A device that alters frequency in a predictable and desirable way is an oscillator. 

            The potential application of lasers to destroy a virus (or for that matter any pathogenic organism) is a very attractive one indeed.  If employed in a high-traffic civic facility, the spread of disease would plummet dramatically.  Prime locations include courthouses, schools, post offices, public restrooms and hospitals. 

 

- Experiment: 

Materials�"sterile surface, 300² centimeters (*2); virion (2*100); microscope (*2); oscillating laser & power source

Setting�"two separate but identical rooms

Constants�"temperature, 23.9°C (75°F); ambient light intensity; humidity

Process�"1) viral sample is dispersed evenly throughout surface.  2)  Laser is discharged and oscillates at a rate of y hertz per t seconds.  3)  At each interval of z seconds, the laser is disengaged and the observer records any changes in the behavior or state of the virus by taking random samples.  4)  Effects of laser on virus are recorded at each interval until the whole of the electro-magnetic spectrum is covered.  It should be noted that frequencies which are dangerous to other forms of life will not be considered.  5)  Based on results, an inequality modeling viral disruption [0, 1} as a function of the laser frequency is derived.  Standard error and probability, which are omnipresent factors when working with lasers, are accounted for in this equation. 

 

 

- Systematic description:  Pivoting lasers are stationed at multiple chokepoints in a commons area, which may be doorways or enclosed connective hallways.  The emitter tunes itself to a specified frequency, and sweeps its surroundings multiple times.  It is essential that the laser not operate during hours when people may inhabit these spaces, as damage could be done to their skin, nerves, etc.  In busier regions, the system may come online several times daily.  A possible improvement would be to network different lasers, so a user may indicate the frequency (or frequencies) at which the lasers would operate. 

 

 

           

 

 

Author's Note

[0, 1} denotes whether or not viral disruption is achieved [no, yes}. I would greatly appreciate feedback of the helpful and/ or supportive variety (LOL). I am not a professional, but I manage. If you have questions concerning my sources, or if you would like to adopt my bastard child here, feel free to notify me.