Viewer for Vision Research in Developing Agile Laser Eye Protection

The use of laser devices in the battlefield is rapidly increasing - from low power line-of-sight communications to high-power lasers designed to disable or destroy enemy weaponry. These laser devices operate over a wide range of spectral regions,depending on specific application. With the increasing number of devices, the hazard to battlefield personnel is becoming a potentially significant issue. If protective devices are to be designed and deployed to personnel, it is key that these devices donot introduce unacceptable levels of image distortion that may have physiological effects such as disorientation, headache, or nausea. OPTICS 1 has extensive experience in the area of night vision goggle design and development and specifically in the areaof direct-view laser eye protection devices using optical limiter materials. Principal benefits and use for this technology will remain in the military sector for the immediate future. Evaluation of this technology and fabrication of potential devices/instruments will enable quantitative study of physiological interaction betweendirected energy devices and human tissue. In addition, detailed evaluation of human factors will enable development of protection devices that can be worn for extended periods of time without undue distress to the wearer.