[Laser] Lasers vs LEDs & ARRL contests

[W0ZQ at aol.com]

Hello to all Laser/light enthusiast.   

As some of you may  know, I am the ARRL's Dakota Division VHF/UHF Contest 
Committee (VUAC)  representative.  I am seeking your comments.  One of the items 
that  has been under discussion by your VUAC is the ARRL General VHF Contest 
rule 1.12  that states "1.12. Above 300 GHz, contacts are permitted for contest 
credit only  between licensed amateurs using coherent radiation on 
transmission (for example,  laser) and employing at least one stage of electronic 
detection on  receive."  This rule requires that the contact be made by licensed 
amateurs  and that the detection requires at least one stage of electronics, that 
much  seems fairly clear despite whether you agree or disagree with that part 
of the  rule.   What is less clear is the requirement that the source use  
"coherent radiation" and "(for example, laser)".  How coherent is coherent  ?

What I would like your comments on is this.

1.   Given  this rule as it is now, does it include or exclude the use of 
narrow band  LEDs like the Luxor.  I am no optics expert but it seems to me that 
some of  these newer power LEDs are very close in coherence to really poor  
lasers.   Does the current rule have enough latitude to include narrow  band LED 
emitters ?

2.  IF we could rewrite the rule, what should  the rule say ?  Do we want to 
be much more specific and tighten the rule so  it states "Laser only", or do 
we want to open the rule up to specifically allow  the use of newer 
technologies like power LEDs ?    In either case  what should the rule say ?

It seems that on the one hand we don't want to allow a blinking white light  
bulb, but if not that where is the line ?   

Again, your  comments and perspective are most welcomed.

73, Jon
W0ZQ
Dakota  VUAC Rep
 



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