2018/11/05 by James R. Clark, Kerri Cahoy · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · Engineering · Neuroscience · #Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life #Modular Robots and Swarm Intelligence #Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
paper · pdf · doi:10.3847/1538-4357/aae380
openalex publication_date 2018/11/05 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
Abstract This paper examines the ability to produce a laser beam detectable to a cursory survey (SNR 0.1% with a 1 m receive telescope) by an extraterrestrial intelligence using proven or near-term technology (megawatt-class lasers, telescopes tens of meters in size). We find that such lasers can produce a signal at ranges of less than 20,000 lt-yr, with a broad enough beam to overcome uncertainties in nearby exoplanet orbits (e.g., Prox Cen b) or encompass entire habitable zones of more distant systems (e.g., TRAPPIST-1). While the probability of closing a handshake with even a nearby extraterrestrial intelligence is low with current survey methodologies, advances in full-sky surveys for SETI and other purposes may reduce the mean-time-to-handshake to decades or centuries, after which these laser systems may close links at data rates of kbps–Mpbs. The next major gap to address for searching for extraterrestrial lasers is in expanding spectral searches into the infrared, where most terrestrial communication and high-power lasers are manufactured.