U.S. looking into phasers, lightsaber next on list

Within seconds, the beam will heat the exposed skin tissue to a level where intolerable pain is experienced and natural defence mechanisms take over. This intense heating sensation stops only if the individual moves out of the beam's path or the beam is turned off. The sensation caused by the system has been described by test subjects as feeling like touching a hot frying pan or the intense radiant heat from a fire. Burn injury is prevented by limiting the beam's intensity and duration.

So it's like a microwave gun. *points at bag of un-popped popcorn* *waits 10 seconds* *eats popcorn*