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Subject: LASER INJURIES                                                  

Unit: XVIII CORPS 

Parent Organization: ARCENT      

Box ID: BX000026

Folder Title: DUTY LOG G3 CORPS POLICY LETTERS DEC 90                                                         

Document Number:          5

Folder SEQ  #:         41






                                                                       Dig OP@
                            DEPARTMENT OF-THE ARMY@
                                                                       OWS,
                       HEADQUARTERS XVIII AIRBORNE  CORPS
                              AF'O NEW YDRK 09657



      AFZA-MD                                           20 December 1990



      MEMORANDUM FOR SEE  DISTRIBUTION


      SUBJECT: Laser Injuries



      1. REFERENCE. FM B-50, Prevention and Medical Management of
      LASER Injuries, 8/90.

      2. BACKGROUND.


          a. LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
      Radiation) devices produce an intensL-0 narrow beam of light,
      usually with its energy concentrated at a single frequency which
      may be in the visible or invisible portion of the spectrum. The
      LASER exhibits very little divergence or beam spread (typically
      I meter per kilometer). These factors combine to deliver the
      majority of the energy produced at the source to the target.

          b. Technology in LASER range finders and target designators
      has introduced a new threat to the vision of service personnel.
      Use of LASER range finders and target designators may result in
      accidental or intentional lasing of individuals. OPFOR devices
      used as an antipersonnel weapon can disrupt military performance
      by reducing the soldier's ability to see.

          C. Exoosed skin and materials may be    at risk if exposed to
      extreiiielly high powered LASERS. However,  the primary organ at
      risk is the eye. Concentration of energy    focused onto the back
      of the eye (retina) can be 100,000 times greater than the energy
      entering the front of the eye.

      3.  Threat.

          a. Fielded NATO and OPFOR LASER ran     ge finder and target
      designators may cause accidental or intentional@damaae to
                                                  a   '61 time of +light
e eye.   LASERS have     er
      and may be invisible. The antipersonnel     use of LASERS devices
      may disrupt military performance by reducing the soldier"s
      ability to see or causing psychological problems which may
      render the soldier ineffective in units where LASER injuries
      have been reported.

          b. Hazard arises from direct,intrabeam viewing; specular
      reflection,from a smooth surface (mirror, glass, or metal); and
      diffuse reflection from nonreflective surfaces.

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Document 7 f:/Week-12/BX000026/DUTY LOG G3 CORPS POLICY LETTERS DEC 90/laser injuries:110496091430138
Control Fields 17
File Room = mar96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-12
Box ID = BX000026
Unit = XVIII CORPS
Parent Organization = ARCENT
Folder Title = DUTY LOG G3 CORPS POLICY LETTERS DEC 90
Folder Seq # = 41
Subject = LASER INJURIES
Document Seq # = 5
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 04-NOV-1996