Infrared energy — also known as “heat” — dissipates quickly with the square of the distance. Such a weapon would have a very short range.
It doesn’t shoot heat, does it? I thought the heat was generated when/where the beam hits it’s target.
It’s a laser. The energy doesn’t dissipate that fast.
This isn’t radiant energy, as such, but more of a particle beam.
Also, it splits the air like lightning, so loss is reduced.
Finally, it is obviously limited to line of sight. The intent is to use lasers as close-in defensive system, allowing intercepts to occur much farther away from the ship. This is a huge plus when intercepting Mach 3 cruise missiles.