Multi-Wave Dazzler, Area Denial of Personnel

SARA, Inc. propose to continue development of the ColorDazl, a multi-wavelength dazzler, by performing upgrades to the current brassboard, and initial human effects studies with multi-spectral light. A prior grant was awarded under the FY04 Less Lethal solicitation. At the time of the grant award, insufficient NIJ budget was to permit full funding of the proposed work. This supplement will fund an upgrade to the brassboard and human effects studies to include effectiveness and safety studies that is required before transitioning this technology to law enforcement agencies.

nca/ncf

This supplemental effort will yield a prototype dazzler suitable for either bench mounted or handheld use. This project is designed to develop a new tool and technology for use by local law enforcement agencies. SARA Inc. previously developed a working concept demonstration of the Smart Dazzler, which included real-time two-dimensional tracking of a retroreflector (the model of an eye), and the ability to respond to a target with a potentially dazzling, single wavelength source, from a separate laser from within the tracker. On the current grant (#2004-1-IJ-CX-K037) SARA is upgrading the Smart Dazzler concept demo unit to eliminate sources of scattered light, which will greatly increase the operational distance over which we can detect a retroreflector, and add a range finder, which will give the information needed to set the strength of the dazzling pulse. Once this concept is demonstrated, it could be adapted to multitude of law enforcement tools to make the tools more effective and potentially reduce injuries, especially to the eyes. Currently, in use with dazzler, the goal is to target the eye. In future applications, this technology could also be used to avoid the eyes.

nca/ncf