Green laser pointers—a cause for concern?

Abstract

Recent reports of aviator crews being “blinded” by visible green laser beams have led to speculation in the media of a possible security issue. The Department of Homeland Security issued a press release in January 2005 reporting these incidents and noting their concerns. Many have asked why after a period of relative quite on the misuse of laser pointers that there has been a flurry of new reports. The reason appears to be that amateur astronomers discovered that they could see the laser beam (backscatter) from laser pointers and point to various stellar objects to adjacent students or colleagues. Even at a very close range, these beams are not capable of causing permanent injury to the retina. However, the green laser wavelength particularly is perceived as very bright even at some considerable distance (e.g., 1-2 km) they could produce a disturbing flash that could distract a pilot. A flash of red or green light across the cabin can be taken as a warning and the aircrew’s attention is distracted to look for a possible warning light. If this happened (most likely) on final approach or take-off, there could be an aviation safety issue as a result of pilot distraction or visual disturbances.Recent reports of aviator crews being “blinded” by visible green laser beams have led to speculation in the media of a possible security issue. The Department of Homeland Security issued a press release in January 2005 reporting these incidents and noting their concerns. Many have asked why after a period of relative quite on the misuse of laser pointers that there has been a flurry of new reports. The reason appears to be that amateur astronomers discovered that they could see the laser beam (backscatter) from laser pointers and point to various stellar objects to adjacent students or colleagues. Even at a very close range, these beams are not capable of causing permanent injury to the retina. However, the green laser wavelength particularly is perceived as very bright even at some considerable distance (e.g., 1-2 km) they could produce a disturbing flash that could distract a pilot. A flash of red or green light across the cabin can be taken as a warning and the aircrew’s attention is distracted to look...