Scientists freeze beam of light (BBC News)

[Dudley_DUright]

Physicists say they have brought light to a complete halt for a fraction of a second and then sent it on its way.
Harvard University staff held a light pulse still without taking away all of its energy, the journal Nature reports.

Controlling the movement of light particles - so-called photons - to store and process data could lead to the development of quantum computers.

In a 2001 experiment, light pulses were briefly stored when particles of light were taken up by atoms in a gas.

The Harvard experiment tops that achievement by holding light and its energy at a standstill.

more...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3308109.stm

[kimchi]

1. I have no idea what that means; but it sounds awesome.

[FlashHarry]

2. It means Jedi light sabers are on their way!

Or maybe not. Hokey religions and ancient weapons ain't no match for a good blaster by your side, kid.

[Shyriath]

5. Woohoo!

But it's an elegant weapon... for a more civilized age!

[papau]

3. briefly stored means in place bouncing, retaining shape/info, then release

rather neat (on edit - in place means not moving very far before bouncing back- since they were obviously still moving)

but I did not get the impression that the "release" and go on your way moment was chosen by the lab folks!

:-)

[citizen snips]

4. cool

I don't think I could do that.

[mahina]

6. if I'm not mistaken

I believe the scientist was Seth lloyd at MIT two or three years ago who first stopped light in a vacuum.