Protecting Optical Sensors Against Dazzling

 

At the upcoming SPIE conference, Pavel Adamiec, from ALTER will present research on a key challenge in optical systems: dazzling, when intense light sources temporarily “blind” camera sensors.

The study compares the impact of RGB lasers and high-intensity LEDs on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cameras, showing how both can distort images, saturate sensors, and even cause lasting damage.

It also explores countermeasures such as optical filters and adaptive exposure control, aimed at protecting sensors while ensuring reliable performance in critical applications.

With implications for both civilian and defence contexts, this work highlights the importance of building more resilient technologies for extreme light environments.