Veiling-glare laser
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2006-10-12T09:11:52Z
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The '''veiling-glare laser''' is a proposed [[Dazzler (weapon)|laser dazzler]], a [[Non-lethal force|non-lethal weapon]] which would use light in the [[ultraviolet]] (UV) range. The intended effect would be to cause [[fluorescence]] in the [[lens (anatomy)|lens of the eye]], producing intense [[light pollution#Glare|glare]] and making clear vision impossible. In September 2002, the [[Joint Nonlethal Weapons Directorate]] announced the proposal was under development.
It is intended to have three key advantages over previous laser dazzlers which operate in visible wavelengths:
* the power levels used can be lower, so there is in theory less risk of eye damage;
* the location of the laser is not apparent to the target; and
* it has a wide angle of effectiveness.
However, the proposal has been seriously questioned. ''[[New Scientist]]'' quoted two experts, Tom van den Berg of the [[Netherlands]] Ophthalmic Research Institute and Bill Stark of [[Saint Louis University]], as suggesting that at the requisite power levels the use of UV wavelengths is in itself questionable and could damage the lens, almost definitely causing [[cataract]]s.
In addition Professor Stark (an expert in the effects of UV light on eyes) questioned whether the idea could work at all: "My experience suggests that such fluorescence does not cause significant amounts of glare."
==See also==
* [[Dazzler (weapon)|Dazzler weapon]]
==External links==
* [http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn2756 "'Safe' laser weapon comes under fire"], ''New Scientist'', 8 September 2002
[[Category:Less-lethal weapons]]
[[Category:Directed-energy weapons]]