Significance Optoelectronic imaging systems, characterized by their compact size, light weight, high reliability, resolution, and dynamic range, have been extensively employed in various fields, such as medical imaging, media production, security management, high-resolution target reconnaissance, precision guidance, fire control and targeting, and flight assistance. However, with the rapid advancements in laser technology and the widespread use of laser weapon systems, the risk of optoelectronic imaging systems being blinded or dazzled by lasers has significantly increased, resulting in a substantial decrease in information acquisition capabilities. Consequently, investigating laser protection technologies for optoelectronic imaging systems has become increasingly vital.
Progress The article initially provides a brief overview of the mechanisms and limitations of laser blinding protection technologies for optoelectronic imaging systems, focusing on linear and nonlinear materials. It then delves into laser blinding protection technologies employing phase-change materials, such as vanadium dioxide, discusses their mechanisms, fabrication methods, and application progress. Subsequently, the article explores the mechanisms and preliminary application studies of laser blinding protection technologies based on computational imaging, highlights the necessity and feasibility of researching laser dazzling protection technologies for optoelectronic imaging systems in relation to laser blinding. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of various laser protection technologies for optoelectronic imaging systems are summarized, along with potential future development directions.
Conclusions and Prospects The application of computational imaging technology for laser protection offers a groundbreaking technical solution, featuring a wide protective spectrum and exceptional adaptability. This approach eliminates the need for prior knowledge of interfering laser locations, wavelengths, or polarization states, as required by linear material protection, as well as considerations of response times and protection thresholds, as demanded by nonlinear or phase-change material protection. Computational imaging technology can defend against common continuous lasers, nanosecond pulse lasers, and emerging ultra-short pulse lasers, such as picosecond or femtosecond pulses. Designing and fabricating high-precision optical field control components and ensuring high-quality image restoration are crucial future development directions for this technology. As lensless imaging technology employing mask modulation, a key research area in computational imaging progressively matures, it may fundamentally resolve the high gain caused by the optical system structure in imaging systems, thereby effectively addressing the issue of laser blinding protection in such systems. Laser dazzling protection technology exhibits broader application scenarios compared to blinding protection technology; However, current research is relatively limited, and no groundbreaking solutions have been proposed. Based on the mechanisms of laser-induced blinding and dazzling in optoelectronic imaging systems, the seperate study on blinding and dazzling technologies is incomplete and unscientific. Future research should focus on integrating laser blinding and dazzling protection for optoelectronic imaging systems, examining protection mechanisms, technical approaches, and cost-effectiveness from multiple perspectives.
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