Electro-optical sensor with automatic suppression of laser dazzling

Abstract

The progress in laser technology leads to very compact but nevertheless powerful laser sources. In the visible and near infrared spectral region, lasers of any wavelength can be purchased. Especially continuous wave laser sources pose a serious threat to the human eye and electro-optical sensors due to their high proliferation and easy availability. The manifold of wavelengths cannot be encountered by conventional safety measures like absorption or interference filters. We present a protection concept for electro-optical sensors to suppress dazzling in the visible spectral region. The key element of the concept is the use of a digital micromirror device (DMD) in combination with wavelength multiplexing. This approach allows selective spectral filtering in defined regions of interest in the scene. The system offers the possibility of automatic attenuation of dazzling laser radiation. An anti-dazzle algorithm comprises the analysis of the laser wavelength and the subsequent activation of the appropriate micromirrors of the DMD.