When you imagine lasers interacting with objects, what comes to mind? Most likely you envision them cutting through their path with their strength and heat. However, researchers at the University of Washington (UW) recently discovered a way for a laser beam to reduce the temperature of water rather than heat them up. The UW scientists team was led by Peter Pauzauskie, an Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering.

In the immediate short term, we could see changes in the implementation of microprocessors. In the more long term, we could see it revolutionizing the industry of refrigeration. And who knows, maybe it could assist in helping address global warming by cooling our oceans?

Originally discussed on Clapway based on information from a study released this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.