Low-cost camera-based continuous-wave laser detection

A low-cost camera-based method of detecting continuous-wave (cw) lasers has been developed at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The detector uses a simple optical modification to a standard color camera combined with image processing techniques to distinguish lasers from other illumination sources and measure the wavelength, direction, and irradiance of the laser light. Such a detector has applications in collecting information on aircraft laser dazzle incidents, providing the evidence required to inform on aircrew laser exposure events and to assess if engagements are eye safe. A prototype has been developed using entirely commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) components, costing approximate to 600 pound, and assessed in laboratory conditions with the capability of measuring laser wavelengths to +/- 5 nm and irradiances to +/- 10%. A realistic handheld laser engagement scenario, using a range of relevant wavelengths and irradiances, was simulated during the Moonraker trial where the prototype was capable of measuring laser wavelengths to an accuracy of +/- 10 nm and peak irradiances to +/- 25%. All laser engagements were detected over a total data collection period of 9 h with zero false alarms. Comparisons were made with a COTS laser detector, which showed an equivalent performance. This technology offers a low-cost approach to cw laser detection, which is capable of extracting a range of parameters while maintaining a relatively wide field of view and angular resolution. (C) 2020 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)