Laser dazzling of focal plane array cameras

Abstract

Laser countermeasures against infrared focal plane array cameras aim to saturate the full camera image. In this paper we will discuss the results of dazzling experiments performed with MWIR lasers. In the "low energy" pulse regime we observe an increasing saturated area with increasing power. The size of the saturated area can be explained by an expression derived from the point spread function of the optics. The experimental results for short "high energy" pulses show a strong non-linear response of the detector arrays. Physical processes potentially responsible for these effects are described. Possible consequences of this non-linear detector behaviour for the effectiveness of laser countermeasures applying short high energy pulses are discussed. A better understanding of the response of infrared detectors to short high energy laser pulses, will allow changing the laser design in order to mitigate these effects.