⬇️ Laser Speckle Perception Protocol

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Laser Speckle Perception Protocol

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Purpose

This protocol describes a safe, repeatable method for observing and documenting perceptual phenomena arising from laser speckle patterns projected onto matte surfaces. It is designed for public use and emphasizes safety, reproducibility, and structured reporting.

The protocol is substance-agnostic by default. An optional, strictly legal and clinically supervised altered-state branch is noted but not required.

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Time Commitment

• First setup: 30–45 min
• Subsequent setup: 10–15 min
• One session (4 blocks + notes): 40–60 min

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Safety Notice

• Never look directly into a laser beam or specular reflections.
• Use visible Class 2 or Class 3R lasers only (≤5 mW).
• Remove mirrors, glass, metal, screens, jewelry, and reflective objects.
• Secure the laser so it cannot sweep across people, pets, or outdoors.
• Stop immediately for eye pain, persistent afterimages, dizziness, panic, or derealization.

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Legal & Medical Disclaimer

This protocol is educational only and does not constitute medical or legal advice.

• Many psychoactive substances are illegal in some jurisdictions.
• Do not use any controlled substance unless legally permitted and supervised by a licensed clinician.
• Do not follow dosing guidance from this document.
• If legality or safety is uncertain, do not proceed.

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1. Critical Controls

1. Surface: Matte, light-colored wall or board (no gloss)
2. Lighting: Very dim, uniform room lighting
3. Geometry: Fixed laser→wall (8–12 ft) and viewer→wall (6–10 ft) distances
4. Viewing: Standardized instructions; binocular vs. monocular comparison
5. Timing: Fixed viewing and rest intervals
6. Reporting: Private drawings and ratings before discussion
7. Comparators: Change one variable at a time

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2. Baseline Sessions (Required)

Baseline (no-substance) sessions establish comfort, safety, and reproducibility.

Common observations may include:

• Geometric or lattice-like patterns
• Depth or layering sensations (often binocular)
• Symbol-like forms (pareidolia)
• Increased stability with sustained viewing

Recommended progression: Sessions 1–3: setup + mono/bino comparison Sessions 4–7: surface or angle comparators Sessions 8–10: reproducibility across days

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3. Procedure

3.1 Pre-Session Vision Check (first session only)

• Read text at arm’s length and at ~12 inches with each eye.
• Note glasses/contacts, floaters, or flashes.
• Determine dominant eye (triangle-hands method).

Seek medical care for sudden floaters, flashes, shadows, or persistent blur.

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3.2 Room & Surface Setup

1. Use a matte wall or taped matte board.
2. Confirm matte finish (diffuse flashlight reflection).
3. Mark viewer position on floor and fixation dot at eye level.
4. Darken room; use minimal diffuse sidelight only if needed.
5. Remove or cover reflective hazards.

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3.3 Laser Setup

• Mount laser securely on a tripod or stand.
• Laser → wall: 8–12 ft
• Viewer → wall: 6–10 ft
• Use Class 2 or 3R lasers only (≤5 mW).

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3.4 Safety Check (Do Not Skip)

Laser OFF: trace beam path; remove reflective hazards. Laser ON (not viewing): check for bright reflections. Viewing position: confirm only diffuse speckle is visible.

STOP rule: anyone may say “STOP — LASER OFF NOW.”

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3.5 Viewing Instructions (read verbatim)

Version A – Fixed Fixation (recommended): “Stand on the floor mark. Look steadily at the fixation dot without straining. Blink normally. Note any patterns silently. After two minutes, the timer will sound.”

Version B – Free Viewing: “Stand on the floor mark. View the illuminated area naturally and look directly at patterns if they appear. After two minutes, the timer will sound.”

Use only one version per session.

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3.6 Trial Schedule

Each block:

• 2 min viewing
• 2 min drawing/ratings
• 2 min rest

Blocks:

• A: Binocular
• B: Monocular (dominant eye)
• C: Monocular (non-dominant eye)
• D: Binocular + ~10° head tilt

Optional: one single-variable comparator per session.

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3.7 Optional Legal/Clinical Altered-State Branch

Default: no substance.

Proceed only if:

1. Substance use is legal or part of an approved study.
2. A licensed clinician approves and supervises use.
3. Informed consent and emergency protocols are in place.

If any condition is unmet, do not proceed.

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3.8 Reporting (Private)

For each block:

• Drawing: largest/clearest perceived forms
• Ratings (0–10): clarity, stability, depth, symbolic quality, anti-form, discomfort
• Notes: fixation, posture, breathing

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3.9 Post-Session Check

With laser off:

• Check for persistent afterimages, new floaters, pain, or blur.
• Restore normal lighting gradually.

Green: baseline restored Yellow: mild fatigue—rest 24–48 h Red: persistent symptoms—seek medical care

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4. Equipment

• Visible Class 2 or 3R laser (≤5 mW; 520–650 nm)
• Stable mount or tripod
• Matte wall or board
• Tape, marker, timer
• Paper and pencil
• Eye cover for monocular viewing

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Rationale (Brief)

Laser speckle provides a structured yet ambiguous visual signal. By standardizing geometry, lighting, and viewing mode, this protocol examines how perception stabilizes structure under uncertainty while minimizing risk and social bias.

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Final note: If safety cannot be ensured or instructions are unclear, do not proceed.