Investigating the impact of laser dazzling on shooting performance in a simulator environment: baseline scene

Tomas Földes, Helena Rico Pereira, Sebastian Stutz, Michael Henrichsen, Hugo Alexandre Ferreira, Marijke Vandewal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Our study examines how laser dazzling affects human performance, specifically accuracy and reaction times, using a laser dazzling shooting simulator at the Royal Military Academy, Belgium. The research assesses the performance degradation under laser dazzling in a simple, baseline scene, including different target contrasts and the use of laser eye protection. Utilizing a 532 nm green laser for a safe yet effective dazzle, trained shooters’ performances were measured and analyzed. The results align strongly with a live shooting trial and correlate with Adrian/ CIE visibility levels. Additionally, electrical brain activity data, acquired via electroencephalography (EEG), provided insights into the shooters’ mental states. EEG-derived metrics, particularly frontal alpha asymmetry and frontal alpha power, revealed that participants experienced heightened negative and avoidance emotions, coupled with increased cognitive load prior to shooting. These responses returned to baseline levels postshooting. Moreover, distinct cognitive and emotional states were observed in relation to different types of laser eye protection goggles, potentially correlating with variations in shooting performance. These findings pave the way for future research with more advanced simulation scenes and deepen understanding of the effects of laser dazzle.

Original languageEnglish
Article number034101
Pages (from-to)034101
Number of pages19
JournalOptical Engineering
Volume63
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2024

Keywords

  • cognitive and emotional state
  • electroencephalography
  • human performance
  • laser dazzling
  • shooting simulator

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