Optics.org reports on a recent patent application in its “Patent Highlights” feature:
Title: Non-invasive polygraph technology based on optical analysis
Applicant: Defense Group, US
International application number: WO 03/057003
Infrared laser pulses could soon be used to determine whether someone is telling the truth or is under stress. In patent application WO 03/057003, US firm Defense Group describes a non-invasive polygraph machine that fires infrared pulses at the subject. The reflected and scattered pulses are gathered and analysed by a receiver. “The receiver is connected to an information processing device capable of determining various physiological characteristics exhibited by the human subject,” say the authors.