Human effects of laser dazzling investigated in a shooting simulator

ABSTRACT
Currently there is an already good understanding of the extent of visual obscuration caused by laser eye dazzle of humans. The experienced extent of visual obscuration depends mainly on the laser irradiance at the eye, the ambient light level, the wavelength of the laser and the contrast level of the target. However, laser dazzling even at exposure levels below the obscuration limits has a significant and quantifiable effect on human performance. To investigate these effects, we set up a shooting simulator in a dark tunnel with a 532nm green dazzling laser. A trained shooter volunteered to participate in the trial. On a sound signal they tried to hit a bullseye target appearing on the projection screen. Shooting scores and delays to shoot were registered for each shot. The results from the trials are compared with results obtained during a measurement campaign conducted previously at an indoor shooting range. In addition to the different offset angles of the target from the laser, observations at different experimental conditions, including different target contrasts and background luminance levels are presented.