Proceedings Article | 2 May 2009
Proc. SPIE. 7323, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XIV
KEYWORDS: Signal to noise ratio, Laser sources, Eye, Cameras, Sensors, Control systems, Fiber lasers, Projection systems, Laser safety, Pulsed laser operation
The "ColorDazl" is a device designed to be used for testing eye and sensor dazzling, at modest range, in a
package that can be carried, and with a projector that could be mounted to a lethal weapon (or if desired, to
another type of non-lethal device such as a "stinger"). The Tri-Laser Module (TLM) is a completely self
contained subsystem of the device containing functional 3 color (RGV) laser sources. The laser beams are
transmitted to the projector by an optical fiber. A 2" or larger diameter projector produces an eye-safe beam
throughout its range, yet one of sufficient Irradiance or Illuminance to potentially dazzle sensors, and the
unaided eye at ranges between 20' and 200' under night-time or twilight conditions.
The TLM is a single pulse laser source, which can be fired every few seconds, with computer controls which
keep it eye-safe at the exit aperture, and throughout the range. The output is adjustable with varying power
levels and varying pulse duration of the three colors, allowing a flickering output. The system is operated
from a LapTop computer which controls the total power, and pulse lengths of each individual laser, so that the
total power is below 500 mW, and the energy per pulse for all 3 beams is kept below 30 mJ per pulse. This
mode of operation ensures that the device is a Class 3b source as determined by ANSI Z136 classification, and
is therefore free from the limitations of Class 4 which include key lock, emission delay, audible warning, etc.
With simple refinements to the ColorDazl laser controller software and new projector and receiver
combinations currently being considered, a higher power dazzler could be designed in the near future that
will be effective and relatively safe under brighter ambient lighting and longer range conditions.
