Psychological Effects of Lasers on the Battlefield: Issues and Ideas

摘要

Lasers are a new dimension in battlefield lethality. While we have a great deal to learn about the prevalence of laser injuries on the Airland Battlefield, it is probable that the injury rate will be substantial. Unlike physical effects, psychological effects of lasers result from exposure as well as the possibility of exposure (suppression). The rate of physical injury will be correlated with psychological exposure effects, but suppressive effects may be considerably more numerous. Advances in protection technology, for example, might reduce the expected impact of exposure effects but increase the suppressive effects of laser employment. Thus, consideration of psychological effects must proceed as an integral part of the overall laser bioeffects program.