ColorDazl/Daylight Dazzler and eye protection

• NCJ Number: 306092
• Author(s): James Pierre Hauck; Siavosh Hamadani; Kevin Fine; David A. Edrich; Justin Eagan
• Date Published: May 2009
• Grant Number(s): 2004-IJ-CX-K037
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored

Annotation

This paper describes the features of the “Color Dazi,” a device designed to be used for testing eye and sensor dazzling at modest range in a package that be carried, and with a projector that could be mounted to a lethal, or if desired, to another type of non-lethal device such as a “stinger.”

Abstract

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. (Published abstract provided)