Hand-held laser for nuclear decommissioning

[mklotz]

Anyone know more about why lasers are so advantageous for this kind of job, as opposed to just mechanical means of demolition? Reduction of contaminated dust or vapor? Speed?

Some guesses...

Since laser is a non-contact tool there's no need to deal with the expense and disposal of mechanical tools that would contact the contaminated material. OTOH, I can't explain why the grinder dust-like residue produced by the laser is somehow better than the slag produced by a torch.

If the laser is faster than other methods then the exposure time of the operator is reduced.

Improved standoff distance while operating makes operator safer?

Predictability of disassembly and accountability. Are there requirements to disassemble into a precise collection of pieces that precludes gorilla-like sledge hammering methods?

Ease of finding demolition workers? There are literally thousands of Star Wars fans who would kill for this job.