Active Laser Countermeasure (POIR)

CIM-mes Projekt is the leader of a consortium implementing a project co-financed by the National Center for Research and Development under the INNOTEXTILE program, Measure 1.2 of the Operational Program “Sectoral R&D Programs,” titled: “Active protective curtains against high-power laser radiation.”

Over the past decade, there has been very rapid growth in the market for devices using high-power lasers (precision welding, surface treatment). These lasers have a light output of up to several kilowatts and typically operate in the infrared spectrum, which is invisible to the human eye, making them exceptionally dangerous to life and health—a moment of inattention by the operator can lead to the blinding of bystanders even several hundred meters away, or cause very serious and slow-healing fourth-degree burns (damage to bones and internal organs). At the same time, there is a lack of adequate protective equipment to ensure the safety of both the operator and their surroundings.

Currently, heavy metal shields and curtains are used for radiation protection, but these can only provide protection for a limited time—the time required for them to be perforated. It is assumed that the source of hazardous radiation will be shut off before the shields are destroyed. Unfortunately, in the case of high-power lasers, this time may be very short and make it impossible to avoid a hazardous event. With the exception of enclosed work cells, there are no devices providing active protection, i.e., allowing the detection of laser exposure on the shields and the automatic shutdown of the laser.

The goal of the project is to develop an innovative solution—an active protective curtain capable of detecting laser beam illumination in fractions of a second and shutting down the laser source before hazardous radiation escapes the work area. A major advantage of the active curtain will be its low weight and flexibility, ensuring easy transport and a competitive price. It will be possible to secure relatively large work areas, such as those used in the shipbuilding industry. The developed solution will also contribute to the advancement of laser processing technology, as it will enable its safe use in relatively large areas and facilitate the wider adoption of mobile laser workstations.

Total project value: PLN 3,437,268.47
Grant amount: PLN 2,695,824.34.