Ranged Eye-Safe Laser-Induced Flashbang Enabling System Navy SBIR FY2011.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.3 Topic No.: N113-171 Topic Title: Ranged Eye-Safe Laser-Induced Flashbang Enabling System Proposal No.: N113-171-0060 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation 1845 W. 205th Street Torrance, California 90501 Contact: Dmitry Starodubov Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy need for laser-induced plasma detonation (LIPD), Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Ranged Eye-Safe Laser-Induced Flashbang Enabling System (RESLIFE) with minimized risk of permanent damage or fatalities. This proposed system is based on a combination of two commercially available eye-safe pulsed laser systems, namely the picosecond Er laser and nanosecond Tm laser systems. With the innovation in dual-wavelength energy delivery to a desired location, the RESLIFE will precisely and independently control the light and acoustic effects of the detonation while providing substantially stronger visual and auditory deterrent compared to current LIPD systems. As a result, this system offers a strong deterrent comparable to existing flashbang systems that could also be pulse-rate controlled to deliver messages using eye-safe laser sources, which directly address the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program requirements for nonlethal effects on human targets. In Phase I, POC will show the feasibility of RESLIFE through analytical demonstration of dual-wavelength laser system modeling for laser-induced plasma detonation. In Phase II, POC plans to demonstrate a fully functional breadboard system operation capable of plasma production beyond 100 m. Benefits: The new Ranged Eye-Safe Laser-Induced Flashbang Enabling System (RESLIFE) by POC could be used by various military and civilian personnel to effectively control and pacify human-related hazards. Implementing the system in a battlefield environment will allow for instantly securing the desired perimeter without the need for additional hardware. These benefits will give troops a clear tactical advantage in guerilla warfare scenarios with no harm to personnel and will help save lives. The ability of the system to produce powerful plasma effects at substantial range can be used in environmental monitoring through laser breakdown spectroscopy and also in remote structural health monitoring. Finally, the capability to independently produce and control visual and sound effects has a strong potential for personnel training and in the entertainment industry for large 3D real-time performance demonstrations and potentially next-generation 3D TVs for home use. Return