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-SPANFORD RESEPKH INSTITUTE
menio Vark, Califo(r1.0. R04, SECRET- TENTATIVE
August 1976
PROGRAM CHARTER:
REMOTE SENSING
by
Dr. Harold E. Puthoff
Mr. Russell Targ
Stanford Research Institute
CONTROL NO. _@RI-(5-4451
SIZI COPY
SRI 1825 111)
- - -- - - - - - - -I- - - - - - - - -
Classification Determination
Pending: Protect as though
classified SECRET.
SRI-6-4451
Copy No. of 10.
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ABSTRACT
Recent work in both US and Soviet laboratories indicates mounting
evidence for the existence of so-called "parapsychological" or "para-
physical" processes, sometimes called psychoenergetic processes. In
the US, recent publications (both classified and unclassified) by
Stanford Research Institute (SRI) detail the ability of certain individuals
to view, by innate mental processes, remote geographical or technical
targets including buildings, roads and laboratory apparatus. In the
Soviet Bloc countries, similar research efforts are described in two
classified reports, one a DIA document prepared by the US Army Medical
Intelligence and Information Agency, the other prepared by Garrett
Airesearcb as an independent contracted study of Soviet literature.
On the basis of the SRI data and the Garrett and DIA documentation
studies, an interdisciplinary R&D program with multiple contractors is
proposed. The goal of the program is to establish the necessary data
base to evaluate the significance of so-called paranormal processes for
intelligence applications, both from the standpoint of feasibility for
operational use and from the standpoint of threat analysis.
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PROGRAM CHARTER: REMOTE SENSING
Introduction
Recent publications in both the open and classified literatur,@ indi-
cate mounting evidence for the existence of so-called "parapsychological"
or liparaphysical" processes. These are sometimes referred to as p3ycho-
energetic or NBIT (novel biophysical information transfer) channel:3, an
acronym coined as a neutr-al descriptive term free of occult assumplions
or biases as to mechanisms.
NBIT processes include:
1. The acquisition and description', by mental means, of remote
information blocked from ordinary perception and thought to be
secure against such access;
2. The production of physical effects such as the perturbatLon of
instrumentation or equipment which would appear to be well
shielded against such interactions.
The literature also indicates mounting evidence for the acceleration
of research in both the Western and Soviet Bloc countries in an effort to
precipitate a breakthrough. In the West, a large-scale exploratory research
effort on NBIT channels has been carried out in the Electronics and Bio-
engineering Laboratory of Stanford Research Institute (SRI). Their results
have been reported in two major documents, one classified,l one unclassi-
fied.2 Their work dealt primarily with a capability that they call "remote
viewing," the ability to view remote geographical locations up to several
thousand kilometers. In more than 50 experiments with roughly a dozen
subjects, including government scientists sent to examine the experimental
protocols, significant results were obtained on the viewing of buildings,
laboratory apparatus, and the like. From their work they concluded that
(a) The phenomenon is not a sensitive function of distance over a
range of several km and is still operative over a range of
several thousand km (U);
(b) Faraday cage electrical shielding does not appear to degrade
the quality or accuracy of perception (U);
(c) Most of the correct information pertains to shape, form, color,
and material, rather than to function or name, indicating that
the function may be mediated primarily by the brain's right
hemisphere (U);
(d) The principal difference between experienced subjects and inex-
perienced volunteers is not that the latter do not exhibit the
faculty but rather that 7Ei@e_ir results are simply less reliable,
H. Puthoff and R. Targ, Perce tual Augir@entation Techniques, Final Report
on SRI Project 3183, December 1, 1975. (Secret)
2H. Puthoff and R. Targ, "A Perceptual Channel for Information Transfer
Over Kilometer Distances: Historical Perspective and Recent Research,"
Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 64, No. 3, pp. 329-354, March 1976.
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indicating that remote viewing may be a latent and widely
distributed, though repressed, perceptual ability (U); arld
(e) Subjects trained over a two-year period have performed well
under operational conditions (S).
The breadth of work in this area of research in the Soviet Union and
Czechoslovakia is detailed in a recent DIA document prepared by the US
Army Medical Intelligence and Information Agency.3 It is pointed out that
beginning with early work (1930s) in the laboratory of L. Vasiliev4 (Lenin-
grad Institute for Brain Research), Soviet efforts in the area of paranormal
functioning have concentrated on behavior modification and control (e.g.,
putting people into a trance at a distance through hyponosis) in contrast to
the Western orientation toward remote data acquisition. Also, apparently
in keeping with their ideology, the Soviet work is strongly oriented toward
the physical aspects of the channel, such as determining the physical mech-
anisms involved. Indeed, some of the best theoretical work has been done
by I. Kogan in his investigation of the ELF (extremely low frequency)
electromagnetic hypothesis.5-8 The authors of the DIA document include
that the East Bloc parapsychology research effort is now concentrated on
the energetics of the problem and is aimed at achieving direct production
and control of the energy involved, and that if this goal is achieved it
will pose a serious threat to the West.
In a contracted independent study by Garrett Airesearch, a review of
Soviet literature on NBIT research led to conclusions similar to those of
the DIA document.9 The body of the report treats Soviet application of
statistical theories, research done on electrostatics, the development of
remote sensors, hypothesized carrier mechanisms, human sensitivity to mag-
netic fields, and performance training to improve NBIT. Their conclusions
include (S):
1. The Soviets have done significant work on signal extraction,
statistical, and information theory approaches to NBIT processes.
SG1A
3L.F. Maire III and Major J.D. LaMothe, MSC, Soviet and Czechoslovakian
Parapsychology Research, DIA Document No. DST-181OS-387-75, Sept. 1975.
(Confidential)
4L.L. Vasiliev, Experimental Studies of Mental Suggestion, JPRS document
No. 59163, 31 May 1973. NTIS. Springfield, Virginia 22151.
5I.M. Kogan, "Is Telepathy Possible?" Radio Eng., Vol. 21, p. 75, Jan.
1966.
6I.M. Kogan, "Telepathy, Hypotheses and Observations," Radio Eng., Vol.
22, p. 141, Jan. 1967.
7I.M. Kogan, "Information Theory Analysis of Telepathic Communication
Experiments," Radio Eng., Vol. 23, p. 122, Mar. 1968.
8I.M. Kogan, "The Information Theory Aspect of Telepathy," RAND Publ.,
Santa Monica, CA. p. 4145, July 1969.
9E.C. Wortz, et al., Novel Biophysical Information Transfer Mechanisms
(NBIT) , F__ I i Tji 7n-a-l Report on Contract No. XG-4208
(54-20)75S, Jan. 14, 1976, Airesearch Manu. Co. of Calif., a division of
Garrett Corporation. (Secret)
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2. The Soviets have done creditable work on the electrostatics of
telekinesis and have probably now turned their attention to the
psychophysiological aspects of the phenomenon.
3. The Soviets have an interest in remote physiological monitors,
have developed one or two new instruments, and are probably
involved in R&D in this area.
4. The Soviets had and probably still have an interest in the physics
of NBIT transmission mechanisms and are probably doing research
in this area.
5. There is a developing interest in the Soviet Bloc to appLy psycho-
physiological training methods (similar to biofeedback) to
develop control over NBIT mechanisms.
6. The Soviets are investigating the psychophysiology of multi-
modal, programmed stimulation as a method to entrain physio-
logical rhythms and produce changes in states of consciousness.
7. Finally, they note that open publication of some of the most
advanced work in this area has inexplicably stopped. The implaus-
ibility of the work itself being stopped has led them to conclude
that the work is continuing secretly.
Both the DIA and Garrett reports point to the increasing importance of
the NBIT area in Soviet research as indicated recently when the Soviet
Psychological Association issued an unprecedented position paper calling
on the Soviet Academy of Sciences to step up efforts in this area.10 They
recommended that the newly formed Psychological Institute within the Soviet
Academy of Sciences and the Psychological Institute of the Academy of
Pedagogical Sciences review the area and consider the creation of a new
laboratory within one of the institutes to study persons with unusual
abilities. They also recommended a comprehensive evaluation of experiments
and theory by the Academy of Sciences' Institute of Biophysics and Institute
for the Problems of Information Transmission.
Proposed Program
Following is an outline of a comprehensive program charter designed
to establish the necessary data base to evaluate the significance of NBIT
processes for intelligence applications, both from the standpoint of feasi-
bility for operational use and from the standpoint of threat analysis.
The program envisioned consists of an interdisciplinary R&D program
with multiple contractors, and involving tasking of intelligence sources
for data on Soviet Bloc efforts in this area. The R&D effort will have
both classified and unclassified portions, and is to consist of three major
areas:
-LU W.P. Zinchenko, A.N. Leontiev, B.M. Lomov, and A.R. Luria, "Parapsychology:
Fiction or Reality?" Questions of Philosophy, Vol. 9, pp. 128-136, 1973.
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(1) Basic research
(a) Theoretical
(b) Experimental
(2) Operational tasking
(3) Information dissemination
(a) Data collection
(b) Conferences
(c) Training programs
The major contractor in this area will be the Radio Physics Lab-
oratory of SRI in Menlo Park, California. They are to serve a dual
function: 1) carry out certain portions of the contracted R&D effort;
and 2) chair the interagency and inter-contractor program efforts (e.g.,
conferences). The latter would foltow procedures similar to that used
with JASON, wherein SRI hosts meetings of scientists brought toget'ier
to advise DOD personnel on technological advances of potential str.-Itegic
significance. A breakdown of these various activities is provided
below.
(1) Basic Research
To accomplish the proposed objective of evaluating the significance
of NBIT processes for intelligence applications, it is necessary to develop
a greater understanding of the basic mechanisms involved. Therefore, some
part of program funding should be set aside for basic research, both exper-
imental and theoretical.
(a) Theoretical
At the present time three basic models have been proposed to
describe paranormal functioning on the basis of present theory or reasonable
extensions of same. These are the ELF (extremely low frequency) electro-
magnetic hypothesis, the quantum correlation hypothesis, and the extra-
dimensional hypothesis.
Briefly, the ELF hypothesis suggests that NBIT processes are
carried by electromagnetic waves in the 300-1000 km wavelength region
(300-1000 Hz).5-8 Experimental support for this hypothesis is claimed
on the basis of slower than inverse square attenuation, low bit rates, and
ineffectiveness of ordinary electromagnetic shielding, factors (among others)
held in common between ELF and ESP. The quantum correlation hypothesis
stems from the recognition that no theory of reality compatible with 11-13
quantum theory can require spatially separated events to be independent,
11 D. Bohm and B. Hiley, "On the intuitive understanding of non-locality as
implied by quantum theory," (Birkbeck College, London, England), Feb. 1974,
Preprint.
12 J.S. Bell, "On the problem of hidden variables in quantum theory," Rey.
Mod. Phys., Vol. 38, No. 3, p. 447, July 1966.
13 H. Stapp, "Theory of reality," Lawrence-Berkeley Lab. Rep. LBL-3837,
Univ. California, Berkeley, April 1975.
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but must permit interconnectedness of distant events in a manner that is
contrary to ordinary experience.14,15 (This prediction has been experi-
mentally tested and confirmed in the recent experiments of Freedman and
Clauser with regard to photon correlation.)16,1-7 The extra-dimensional
hypothesis is based on the ideas of Targ (SRI) and Rauscher (LRL) pertaining
to the use of extra spatial and temporal dimensions to provide a space-time
metric especially suitable for describing NBIT processes.
The purpose of the theoretical studies is to provide a SE,ries of
predictions around which experiments can be designed and thus provide for
the necessary discrimination between competing models for NBIT mechanisms.
Such work should be pursued by theoretical physicists and collated by SRI
in its central clearing function. (Unclassified)
(b) Experimental
1. ELF Experiments
a. Carry out remote viewing experiments using electromagnetic
and magnetic shielding, such as thick-walled or mu-metal chambers,
or the shielded room at the MIT Magnet Lab, for the purpose oJ ob-
taining further information pertaining to the ELF hypothesis, the
hypothesis favored in the USSR for all psychoenergetic phenomr,na.
b. Test remote sensing under conditions of shielding by water
as provided by submersibles. (SRI in conjunction with other labs.)
c. Use ELF sources as targets in remote sensing, especially at
7.5 Hz and its harmonics, to test the earth-ionosphere waveguide
hypothesis. (SRI)
d. Make use of ELF sources for jamming the remote viewing subject,
in controlled double-blind experiments. (SRI)
e. Usin the data base generated in the past SRI remote vi.ewing
experiments,1,2 look for potential correlations between success/failure,
time of day, geomagnetic storm activity, sun spot activity, etc. (SRI)
In particular, study correlation of remote sensing results with factors
such as east-west asymmetry, geomagnetic disturbance (U index), and
diurnal variations that are known to affect ELF propagation. (SRI)
14 A. Einstein, B. Podolsky, and'N. Rosen, "Cam quantum-mechanical descriptiori
of physical reality be considered complete?" Phys.Rev., Vol. 47, 1). 777,
May 15, 1935.
15 R.H. Dicke and J.P. Wittke, Introduction to uantum Mechanics. Reading,
MA: Addison-Wesley, 1960, ch. 7.
16 J.J. Freedman and J.F. Clauser, "Experimental test of local hidden variablf.
theories," Phys. Rev. Lett., Vol. 28, No. 14, p. 938, Apr. 3, 1972.
17 J.F. Clauser and M.A. Horne, "Experimental consequences of objective local
theories," Phys. Rev. D, Vol. 10, No. 2, p. 526, July 15, 1974.
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2.Quantum Correlation Experiments
Experiments of interest for quantum correlated-state models shall
be carried out with attention given to both directions of the channel
(remote sensing and remote actuation). (SRI in conjunction with other
labs, e.g., Univ. of California, Berkeley Physics Dept. - Unclassifed)
3. Examination of Psychoenergetic Man/Machine Interaction
This should include a continuation of the work with a cryogenic
magnetometer presently underway at SRI. A general search for other
measurement processes sensitive to influence via the remote sensing
channel shall be carried out as indicated by theoretical work. (SRI
- Unclassified)
4. Physiological Correlates of Noncognitive Perception
In work at SRI and elsewhere,2 it has been found that remote strobe-
light flashing produces a reduction of EEG alpha activity in a shielded
subject, even though the subject is unaware of any stimulus being presert
throughout the experiment. In this study EEG activity is observed to
change in synchronism with the application of the remote stimulus.
Suggest search for other physiological correlates such as GSR and
Plethysmograph to obtain additional data on this passive arousal
response. (SRI, SRI subcontract at Langley-Porter Neuropsychiatric
Institute - Unclassified)
5. Signal-to-Noise Questions
Carry out detailed remote viewing experiments to measure the change
in resolution capability as a function of distance, if such a functional
dependence should be found.
a. SRI will endeavor to determine the characteristics of the
remote sensing information channel in terms of bit rate, resolution,
and other parameters of interest through work with gifted subjects
and SRI-generated target materials.
b. A communication experiment involving redundancy coding to
enhance the signal-to-noise ratio shall be conducted on the basis
of the emergence of a remote sensing data channel of extra-chance
quality.1)2 (SRI - Unclassified)
(2) Operational Tasking
Experiments shall be conducted under protocols established in close
liaison with the client to determine the utility of the remote sensing
phenomenon for acquisition and tracking of submersibles and other coopera-
tive or uncooperative targets of interest designated by the sponsor.
(3)
Information Dissemination
(a) Data Collection
The intelligence agencies responsible for collecting data on
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Soviet Bloc countries shall be tasked by the sponsor to provide information
to the sponsor on Soviet efforts on NBIT R&D.
SRI, as part of its clearing house function, shall act as a central
collection point for the collation and analysis of both foreign and domestic
information relating to NBIT efforts, both classified and unclassified.
Special purpose analysis requirements shall be forwarded to other organizations
as required.
(b) Conferences
Semi-annual closed conferences will be chaired by SRI in which
sponsors, contractors, and consultants will be brought together to maintain
state-of-the-art knowledge in NBIT R&D, both at home and abroad. This is
in addition to the usual meetings between subsets of those involved to main-
tain continual interchange as required.
For day-to-day update, a teletype terminal shall be placed at
every contractor and sponsor location so that teleconferencing by computer
can take place on a continual basis. Such computer teleconferencing provides
the benefits of a message center that can be accessed at any time, in addition
to multi-party teleconferencing. Teleconferencing programs of the type used
in the ARPA net shall be employed, and will be supplied by SRI.
(c) Training Programs
Task SRI to
~ record and specify the essential aspects of the training prograir.
used at SRI to obtain remote data as recorded in the previous
experimental program.
~ establish a program at SRI to train subjects in the client
community to accomplish the various tasks relating to oper-
ational objectives.
The exploratory nature of the program requires that 15 percent of the
overall effort will be set aside to explore, with the client's cognizance,
avenues of research (other than those listed) that may surface as high-
priority items during the course of the program.
Throughout the program, the various investigators are to remain in
close communication with the client.
SRI is to provide approximately 36 man-months of professional effort
including an appropriate subject pool and other support toward their role
in the accomplishment of the foregoing.
Reporting Schedule
Three quarterly progress reports will be delivered the tenth (lay of
each third contract month by all contractors. An SRI-collated final tech-
nical report will be delivered 13 months after commencement date of the
contract.
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