[Shared404]

It's sad how often that statement applies to the most interesting tech.

In this particular case, the tech is quite incredible, and I'd really like to believe there is a non combat/surveillance use for it that I'm just missing. Can anyone else think of one?

[dTal]

Well, "fascinating" is a synonym for "interesting", no?

As for "frightening" - the things that make tech "interesting" are a combination of rarity and power. The same combination has the potential to destabilize power structures. So it's not really surprising or avoidable.

[shakna]

I imagine it may have some applications in oceanography and archeology for mapping things that cannot be easily accessed, but still have some light in the area.

However... Combat and surveillance really do seem the main application.