Broadband Laser Filter
Abstract
There is a growing need to provide eye protection to military personnel at risk from laser beams, many of which have the ability to blind a person by burning the retina. This program has taken a new approach to protective filters: an optical interference filter that blocks the entire visible spectrum except for three narrow transmission bands, one in the red, one in the green and one in the blue. The new filter blocks all of the currently- identified threat wavelengths as well as some that have not (yet) been identified as threats. The total light transmission is only 6%; and yet, since the wavelengths passed are essentially the primary colors of human vision, vision through the filter is bright and clear and in full natural color. In highway testing behind the wheel of an automobile, visual acuity was excellent; red lights were red; the yellow line was yellow; the blue sky was blue; and white cars were white. But laser threat wavelengths could not be seen.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA254394
Entities
People
- John A. Brown