170: Photonic Radars To Improve Aircraft Tracking

Published: June 24, 2014, 7 p.m.

b'The mysterious and tragic disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 has led to calls for improvements in radar tracking and detection of aircraft during flights. Italian researchers are currently working on a new radar system employing lasers, or put another way, photonic radar. The lasers would bounce off airplanes, allowing for a greater accuracy in tracking where traditional radar comes up short, particularly in black zones over vast stretches of ocean. Steve and Ben discuss the potential of photonic radars and how they could help prevent flight disappearances in the future. Steve and Ben also discuss digital realities that confront Chinese film dreams, continental movement may be speeding up, and France get first World Cup technology goal.'