Plasma Weapons - How would they work?

Well met,
who ever you are.

First of all, I'd like to say that you guys have a very interesting forum here. I can assure you that I'm going to spend a considerable time here, going trough all the wonderful topics here.

Anyways, onwards to the subject.
I'm currently writing a fictional scifi novel, in which I describe in detail why and how certain pieces of equipment work. A particular favorite of mine is the plasma technology, but I'm still bit stuck with the actual mechanics and the whole "plausibility of plasma weaponry".

So imagining that we are allowed some artistic freedom when creating a plasmagun, how would it most likely operate?
- How would it create plasma? (ionized gas)
- How would it project it forward? (magnetic fields?)
- Were would it get the energy? (fuel cells? fusion core?)
- How would the blooming be dealt with? (bolt, magnetic field?)

Some food for the thought:
Scifi Weapons - Plasma Rifle


[edit on 21-9-2008 by HraTaika]

[edit on 21-9-2008 by HraTaika]

reply to post by HraTaika


I believe this is more than theoretical... HAARP, SDI.. Electromagetic Warfare,
are very real technologies. Ball Lightening/EMP/Nukes?? It's only a matter of tweaking light bandwidth to meet the goal of the weapon.

There was a good thread on Electromagnetic Warfare started yesterday. It's worth the read.

[edit on 21-9-2008 by mapsurfer_]