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Lights out: This fancy flashlight -- the LED Incapacitator -- could be a new tool for Homeland Security in dealing with terrorists or criminals. The unit puts out varying intensities and colors of light that can disorient and fall a suspect, giving law enforcment time to subdue them. (Photo from Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc.)The U.S. Homeland Security Department is going “Star Wars” in its newest effort to find ways to quickly and efficiently disable terrorists or other criminal elements.

The unit – called a LED Incapacitator – will be going under tests this fall with a target date for use by law enforcement units in 2010. And while it might not have the cutting power of Luke or Darth Vader’s light sabers, the LED Incapacitator might be able to knock suspects to the ground with a simple flash of light.

"The light could be used to make a bad guy turn away or shut his eyes, giving authorities enough time to tackle the suspect and apply the cuffs, all while sparing the lives of passersby, hostages or airline passengers," according to a description of the device from the Homeland Security Department's science and technology division.

How will it work? An officer holds the unit just like a flashlight and aims the lens at the suspects face. Flicking the switch starts a series of intense light bursts of varying intensities and colors that can temporarily blind or disorient and even drop the suspect. The impact can be so intense the person being “beamed” can feel vertigo or nausea. Some developers have termed the LED Incapacitator the “puke-ray.”

Of course, there a host of other issues coming up with the development of this technology. The U.S. has signed on years ago to a U.N. treaty that bans the development of weapons that permanently blind suspects. The LED Incapacitator only causes temporary blindness.

And some are already asking questions about if the units become available to the black market and fall into the hands of the wrong people.

So what do you think of the “puke-ray?” Should U.S. Homeland Security continue its development of the unit or is this too risky of a weapon? Share your opinions here with other Science Buzz readers.

Tags : Homeland Security, LED Incapacitator, light saber, law enforcement

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