Preliminary Corneal Damage Threshold Studies with HF-DF Chemical Lasers

A series of biomedical experiments using chemical lasers was performed in the Aerodynamics and Propulsion Research Laboratory. The purpose of the tests was to establish safety criteria for Air Force-operated laser systems in the 2.6- to 4-micrometer wavelength range. Threshold damage levels were determined for minimal visual corneal damage to the rhesus monkey eye from radiation emanating from HF and DF chemical lasers operating in both continuous and pulsed modes. These are the first corneal damage threshold data obtained at these wavelengths.