US Government As Represented by the Secretary of the Army

Vernon H Ayre

William F Otto

Richard D Milton

John K Dempsey

A countermeasure device for the in-band frequency agile laser threat posed to the eyes of operator(s) comprises a rotating shutter operating at a predetermined speed and with alternating clear and nearly opaque sectors. The shutter is designed to spin in front of the operator's field of vision at a rate sufficient to avid a flickering image. The device significantly increases operator protection from an initial laser pulse over existing devices while allowing sufficient ambient light to reach the retina for clear vision. This device will eliminate dazzling which interferes with operator's ability to pinpoint the location of the laser source for neutralization. The device also eliminates the occurrence of damage to both eyes simultaneously.

Rotating shutter for eye/optics protection against in-band frequency agile lasers

An automatic-shutter system functions as a counter-measure to the in-band frequency agile laser threat posed to the eyes of pilot(s)/operator(s). Ideally it is desirable to protect the operator from every laser pulse including the first. However, the lack of fast shutters or optical gates (faster than a micro-second) suitable for visible usage has prevented the protection from a first pulse threat. The automatic-shutter system detects the first pulse and provides protection against any subsequent pulses. This is achieved by a multi-directional detector system for actuating shutters on the aircraft/vehicle. The detector, after detecting a pulse of laser light, further comprises processing means in electrical communication with the multi-directional detector for processing a detected pulse of laser light and to generate a signal responsive thereto. A plurality of shutters can be individually or group dropped in response to shutter actuating means to provide protection against subsequent pulses of laser light.

Auto-shutter system for eye protection against in-band frequency agile lasers

A hostile laser source location technique employs a television camera in conjunction with a rotating shutter to pinpoint the location of a hostile laser source without placing the pilot/operator at risk for eye damage. For an attack scenario the pilot/operator could then make changes in his tactics to negate the source or to continue his attack run. The shutter made of high optical density material (e.g., OD-4), except for an open aperture, provides optics protection for the camera system from both damage and dazzle. A detector is used to detect the laser pulse (flash) which immediately signals the proper frame to be frozen on a monitor. The laser source appears as a bright spot and is easily pinpointed.

Rotating shutter system for hostile laser source location technique

A subsystem addition to the Imaging Simplified Laser Pointing System (ISL). The subsystem in itself is a laser system to be operated off-axis within the field of view of the ISLAPS. This subsystem laser is to be used to interrogate the target. Operation of the ISLAPS at night or with low light conditions is made possible by this addition. The interrogator beam is bounced off the target. In the OA mode the receiver is looking for a retro-reflection or optical augmentation to signal the firing of the negation laser. This mode can be used at any light level. In the illuminator mode the interrogator is 'opened up' to effectively spotlight the target during low light conditions. This allows for imaging, aimpoint selection and video correlation in the same manner as was done with ambient light in the original system. The use of the interrogator also makes it possible to range gate. This reduces background creating clearer images and increases sensitivity because it allows for a reduction in threshold levels.

Growing community of inventors

Falkville, AL, United States of America

Vernon H Ayre