With the advent of laser designator, laser weapons, and guided laser systems, has come the problem of intense laser radiation sources on the battlefield. This has provided a laser threat to the soldiers' eyes. IN order to eliminate this threat, it is necessary to put various types of protectors in the optical systems through which soldiers view the battlefield. Because these laser systems can be at many different wavelengths, are tunable, and can be any place in the field of view, it is important that a versatile system be used to block these threats. Modifications to existing optical systems which use three new optical technologies have been completed in a Phase I effort. These technologies are gradient index optics, diffractive optics and spheres. Utilization of these new technologies, allows the design of optical systems with no more elements than the original system while providing a higher concentration of power at the blocking plane. The Phase II effort will culminate in the fabrication of brassboard Laser Eye Protection systems which are based on existing Department of the Army requirements.
