Potential Electron Beam Induced Flashblindness in Pilots.
Abstract
A simplified but representative situation of a flat windscreen and visor in front of a pilot's eyes has been defined to evaluate the potential for flashblindness caused by Cerenkov radiation, produced by a 1-sec exposure to relativistic electrons with velocities of about 0.95 c. The spectral and spatial distribution of the Cerenkov radiation in the windscreen and visor from the electron beam has been calculated to find the additional retinal illumination contributed by them. On the basis of the calculations performed and of a brief survey of existing data, the following five estimates can be made: a. Absolute threshold for the Cerenkov radiation from the windscreen and that produced in the eye is equivalent to a 3-Microrad beam of 0.95 c electrons. b. Cone threshold for the Cerenkov radiation produced in the eye is equivalent to 0.8 rads; and, for that produced in the windscreen, 0.09 rad. c. Extrapolating from foveal and parafoveal data, a 10-rad beam would cause a 2.5-sec interruption in visibility for low contrast targets in the mid-scotopic adaptation range in the region of the windscreen arcs. d. Insufficient data exist for proper evaluation of the flashblindness effect in the periphery at scotopic levels, so the estimate in item c may be conservative by a large factor. e. No possibility exists for flashblindness from Cerenkov radiation in the mid-photopic range at sublethal doses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA178002
Entities
People
- Norma D. Miller
- Thomas G. Wheeler
Organizations
- Texas A&M University