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A novel, low-cost, camera-based method of detecting Continuous Wave (CW) lasers has been developed at DSTL. The detector uses a simple optical modification to a standard colour camera combined with image processing techniques to distinguish lasers from other illumination sources, as well as measuring the wavelength, direction and irradiance of the laser light. Such a detector has applications in collecting information on aircraft laser dazzle incidents: providing the evidence required to inform on aircrew laser exposure events and to assess if engagements are eye safe. A prototype has been developed using entirely Commercially available Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components, costing ≈£600, and assessed in the laboratory conditions, with the capability of measuring laser wavelengths to ±5nm and irradiances to ±10%. A realistic hand-held laser engagement scenario, using a range of relevant wavelengths and irradiances, was simulated during the Moonraker trial where the prototype was capable of measuring laser wavelengths to an accuracy of ±10nm, and peak irradiances to ±25%. Comparisons were made with a COTS laser detector, and showed an equivalent performance. This technology offers a low cost approach to CW laser detection, which is capable of extracting a range of parameters, whilst maintaining a relatively wide Field of View (FOV) and angular resolution.
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