Innovative thin films that can be attached to cockpit windshields to protect against laser beams and other light sources are being evaluated by Airbus.

The films, a fraction of the width of human hair, are from Canada's Lamda Guard and are made of nano-structured metamaterials that interact with laser beams, deflecting beams from any angle.

"At Airbus, we are always on the lookout for new ideas coming from such innovative small- and medium-enterprises as Lamda Guard," said Yann Barbaux, Airbus' chief innovation officer. "We are very pleased to explore the potential application of this solution to our aircraft for the benefit of our customers."

Airbus noted a recently study by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation indicated there were nearly 4,000 laser-strike incidents involving aircraft in the United States in 2014 -- a more than 1,200 percent increase from 2005 levels. Directing laser beams toward aircraft during takeoff and landing may cause pilot disorientation.