Anderberg, Bengt. “The Low-Energy Laser aimed at the eye as a potential Anti-Personnel Weapon.” The RUSI Journal 133, no. 1 (Spring 1988): 35-40. Note: Available through Interlibrary Loan.
Abstract: An early work on the threat of low-energy lasers to human vision on the battlefield. Basic overview of laser origins, eye damage processes, and current military systems (basically range-finders) provided. Good discussion on the advantages, disadvantages, and potential use of these weapons in close combat situations.

Anderberg, Bengt and Myron L. Wolbarsht. Laser Weapons: The Dawn of a New Military Age. New York, N.Y.: Plenum Press, 1992. Call Number: UG 486 .A53 1992
Abstract: Immensely important and often cited even though it is an older work. It contains very useful chapters on the laser as a weapon, low-energy antipersonnel and antisensor laser (LEL) weapons, and protection and countermeasures. Advocates a blinding laser ban which eventually was enacted in international law. Index in the back of the work is very helpful.

Arkin, William A. et al. “U.S. Blinding Laser Weapons.” Human Rights Watch Arms Project 7, no. 5 (May 1995): 1-16. Internet: http://www.hrw.org/reports/1995/Us2.htm
Abstract: One of the best publications on tactical laser weapons with specific information provided on ten U.S. systems and some comments on foreign systems.

Beason, Doug. The E-Bomb: How America’s New Directed Energy Weapons Will Change The Way Future Wars Will Be Fought. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press, 2005.
Call Number: UG486.5 .B4345 2005
Abstract: Good overview of directed energy weapons and how lasers differ from high-power microwaves. High energy, rather than low-energy, lasers are focused upon.

Bunker, Robert J. “Criminals and Laser Pointers: Tactical Concerns Over Emergent Laserarms.” The Tactical Edge 17, no. 2 (Spring 1999): 80, 82-83, 85.
Abstract: Discusses criminal potentials of laser pointer use: dotting (harassment), weapons sighting, and when used in a counter-optical role, for tactical advantage gained. Laser classes (I-IV) summarized with special concern focused on Class IIIb and Class IV lasers that can easily cause eye-damage to law enforcement officers.

Bunker, Robert J. “Criminals and Laserarms: Counter-Optical Tactics.” The Tactical Edge 18, no. 4 (Fall 2000): 45-48.
Abstract: Thirteen tactical counter-optical laser use scenarios provided as a ‘heads up’ for tactical officers concerning the need for countermeasures, protective equipment, and new training requirements in the face of the emergent laser threat.

Bunker, Robert J. Laser Threats to Law Enforcement. Training Key #523. Alexandria, VA: International Association of Chiefs of Police, 2000: 1-6.
Abstract: Training document for U.S. law enforcement agencies discussing types and availability of lasers, laser dangers to officers, examples of past laser employment against officers, tactical employment and operational scenarios, laser countermeasures, and useful points of contact.

Burke, Tod W. “Laser Pointers: A new hazard to law enforcement.” Law and Order 10, no. 47 (October 1999): 213-216.
Abstract: Types of laser pointers, the five laser classes (I-IV), and Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) and the Accessible Emission Limit (AEL) mentioned. Scenarios of lasers falling into the wrong hands are provided with specific examples. Six recommendations offered in order to limit the dangers of laser pointers to law enforcement officers.

Connor, C. W. “Laser Illumination in the Cockpit: prank or terrorism?” Aviation Security International 11, no. 1 (February 2005): 8-12. Note: Available through Interlibrary Loan.
Abstract: History of laser threats in the early 1990s due to Las Vegas casino light shows, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards enacted safety concerns (flash blindness, after-images, glare & dazzle) and ongoing medical research. Critical flight (vulnerability) figures for air crews approaching runways.

Connor, C. W. and Leon McLin. “‘That Laser Zapped My Eyes!’” Air Line Pilot 67. (October 1998): 6-7, 47. Note: Available through Interlibrary Loan.
Abstract: Laser threat potentials to air crews highlighted. In response a laser hazard ‘protocol’ was developed based on preventive procedures, laser incident procedures, and medical follow-up procedures.

“Reporting of Laser Illumination of Aircraft.” Advisory Circular AC No. 70-2. Washington, D.C.: Federal Aviation Administration, January 11, 2005: 1-3. Internet: http://rgl.ffa.gov [Select Advisory Circulars, Keyword: Laser]
Abstract: Directed at the aviation community, specifically air crews, regarding current FAA protocols concerning the unauthorized illumination of aircraft by lasers. Authority, notifications and reporting, reporting procedures, air crew mitigation procedures, and information resources provided.

Fetzer, Barry R. “The Laser Threat.” Marine Corps Gazette 76, no. 10 (October 1992): 66-67.
Abstract: Scenarios portraying battlefield use of counter-optical lasers against U.S. forces. Discusses the threat of laser-range finders and target designators utilized as improvised blinding weapons. Provides one citation to past Soviet use of lasers against free world manned surveillance assets. Medical issues, damage potentials to optical and electro-optical equipment, and protective equipment needs also touched upon.

Freiwald, David A. “Compact Battlefield Lasers for Nonlethal Kill.” Marine Corps Gazette 82, no. 1 (January 1998): 27-28.
Abstract: Concerns over lasers becoming offensive battlefield weapons. Systems discussed are illumination devices (via infrared targeting), electro-optic dazzlers, and laser weapons (DAZER).

Gourley, Scott. “Making Light Legal.” Jane’s Defence Weekly 33. (May 24, 2000): 22-26.
Note: Available through interlibrary loan.
Abstract: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) attempts at banning ‘blinding laser weapons’ mentioned along with U.S. governmental perspectives on Protocol IV of the U.N. Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) nuances. The U.S. Army experience with counter-optical lasers from the 1990s, the emergence of eye-safe laser dazzlers for crowd control and less-lethal applications, and information concerning high energy (burning) lasers for air defense also provided.

Hammick, Murray. “Laser protection for AFVs: the eyes have it.” International Defense Review 24, no. 8. (August 1991): 818-821. Note: Available through interlibrary loan.
Abstract: Discussion of laser threats to tank optics and armor crews. Mention of Soviet and British counter-optical laser systems and non-eye safe military laser range finders which number in the tens-of-thousands. Detailed summary of filters and dyes as potential countermeasures and a figure that highlights types of laser damage to the eyes.

Johnson, Douglas. “Laser Threats to Law Enforcement” FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 68, no. 5 (May 1999): 7-9.
Abstract: Lasers as a psychological threat to law enforcement officers, lasers and the human response (from annoyance through true blindness), and suggested law enforcement response to laser use. LASER accident/incident report form system mentioned.

Laser Institute of America. Laser Safety Guide. Wesley Marshall and David Sliney, eds. 10th Edition. Orlando, FL: 2000. Call Number: TA 1677 .L369 2000
Abstract: A basic primer on laser hazards to the eyes and skin, safety procedures for each laser classification, eye protection, and the role of the laser safety officer. Numerous figures and tables and quite a few formulas.

Lindsay, Dan and Robert J. Bunker. “The Laser Threat to Airborne Law Enforcement.” Part I. Air Beat 27, No. 7 (November-December 1998): 26-29 & Part II. Air Beat 28, no. 1 (January-February 1999): 14-16. Note: Available through Interlibrary Loan.
Abstract: An early work focusing on laser illuminations directed at airborne law enforcement. A discussion of laser threats, incidents collected by LaserWatch (a Los Angeles Terrorism Early Warning Group (TEW), Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), and Western FAA Security program that transitioned into the national FAA laser incident reporting program), and response plan provided.

Provisions of the California Penal Code Relating to Lasers (247.5) (248) (417.25) (417.26) (417.27). Internet: http://www.legininfo.ca.gov/calaw.html [Select Penal Code, Keyword: Laser]
Abstract: Covers lasers, or light or other bright device, intentionally discharged and/or shined at aircraft; the aiming or pointing of a laser scope or laser pointer at another person (except in self defense); the aiming or pointing of a laser scope or laser pointer at a peace officer; and additional conditions of use and possession prohibited.

Small, Lisa A. Blinding Laser Weapons: It is Time for the International Community to Take Off Its Blinders. Advanced Draft Series. Ryebrook, N.Y.: The International Center for Law, Trade and Diplomacy, Inc., Summer 1996. Internet: http://www.icltd.org/laser_weapons.htm
Abstract: General survey of the effects of laser weapons on the human eye, types of military battlefield laser systems (U.S. and foreign), national policies on counter-optical lasers, and international law pertaining to these weapons.

Sullivan, John P. et al. Jane’s Unconventional Weapons Response Handbook. See sections on Lasers. Alexandria, VA: Jane’s Information Group, 2002. Call Number: HV6431 .J35 2002
Abstract: Covers laser weapon type, incident response to pointer, dazzling, and blinding laser devices, and aircraft lasing case study.

United States District Court, District of New Jersey. United States of America v. David W. Banach; Indictment. January 2005. Internet: http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nj/press/files/pdffiles/Indbanach.pdf
Abstract: Indictment based on the Patriot Act against David W. Banach for shining a green laser at an aircraft (used for “mass transportation”), thus endangering the crew and passengers, and for making false statements to law enforcement officers. Note: eventual plea bargain and 2 years probation.

Compiled by Dr. Robert J. Bunker, 2007 FIR, 5/07.