ARCHIMEDES

Archimedes I is a solar protection system for Helios One in Fallout: New Vegas.

Characteristics
Archimedes I (sometimes just referred to as "Archimedes" or the "Archimedes Plant Defense System") is the first version of a local based laser weapon developed by Poseidon Energy at Helios One. Archimedes I's security system uses a local based laser from the solar collection tower to destroy targets in the area around the plant.

When the player activates Helios One during the That Lucky Old Sun quest, they are given a choice to arm Archimedes I. This will automatically initiate a test run of the system, which will activate a laser strike from the tower on the area around Helios One. This will kill all the NCR soldiers outside the building, causing a decrease of NCR fame, but surprisingly no karma loss.

Variations
It should be distinguished from Archimedes II, the second iteration of the system, which is an orbital based laser system and can target any outdoor location in the Mojave Wasteland.

Behind the scenes
The ancient writers Lucian and Anthemius of Tralles wrote that the Greek scientist Archimedes built a 'heat ray' weapon using mirrors to focus the sun's energy on enemy ships. It was purportedly used at the Roman Siege of Syracuse from 214-212 BC. Most scientists are skeptical that such a device would be practical or efficient; however, the machine's ultimate effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) may be deduced from the fact that the Romans ultimately succeed in taking the city.