[NLRS] Safety of lightwave communications

[Paul Beckmann]

Seems to me that, if safety is the concern, the RF exposure hazard
specifications should be extended into this spectral segment. The
microwave safety specifications already factor in eye exposure and
tissue heating, I believe. The areal power density in a light beam is
very analogous to the power density in a directed beam of transmitted
E-M at lower frequencies.

I would prefer "non-visual stage" being required rather than
"electronic" on the receive end. Again, direct conversion of light to
sound is possible and may be interesting.

Coherence should be dropped. RF/Light exposure safety should be
emphasized. Bandwidth statement would take some thought to factor in
"current state of the amateur art". Civilian/military/international
regulation on power output in the visible and near-visible bands
should be investigated and made explicit in ARRL documents regarding
this band.

I personally don't want to blink flashlights on hilltops a km apart. I
bet, though, that if I wanted to "win" in a contest with flashlights,
I would quickly "discover" optical filtering and non-visual
amplification of the signal. I would use them if allowed. So why not
put them into the requirements?

73
--Paul, wa0rse