electromagnetic spectrum

Officials from the new U.S. Air Force Cyber Command say the battleground of the future will be dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum. The Air Force Cyber Command's 450th Electronic Warfare Wing, set to become operational by Oct. 1, says war is real in the electromagnetic spectrum with terrorists utilizing cell phones to set off explosives or using radar and radio waves to disrupt U.S. combat missions, the Air Force reported.

Terahertz waves, which until now have barely found their way out of the laboratory, could soon be in use as a versatile tool. Researchers have mobilized the transmitting and receiving devices so that they can be used anywhere with ease.

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, Louisiana -- When a reporter enters the Air Force office of William Lord, a smile comes quickly to the two-star general's face as he darts from behind his immaculate desk to shake hands. Then, as an afterthought, he steps back and shuts his laptop as though holstering a sidearm.