How do you determine the classification of a laser?

Lasers are classified for safety purposes based on their potential for causing injury to humans’ eyes and skin. Most laser products are required by law to have a label listing the Class. It will be listed either in Arabic numerals (1 2, 3R, 3B, 4) or in Roman numerals (I, II, IIIa, IIIb, IV).

What is maximum permissible exposure?

Maximum permissible exposure (MPE) This is the minimum irradiance or radiant exposure that may be incident upon the eye or skin without causing biological damage. The MPE varies by wavelength and duration of exposure and is documented in tables published in ANSI z136.

What are the two types of maximum permissible exposure MPE )?

The maximum amount of laser light a person may be exposed to without harm expected to occur is a limit known as the ‘Maximum Permissible Exposure’ or ‘MPE’. Two types of MPE exist: one for eye exposure, and a separate MPE that has a higher threshold for skin exposure.

How is laser MPE calculated?

What is the MPE for a single-pulse laser rangefinder operating at a wavelength of 1540 nm? The pulse width is 20 ns. MPE: H = (2.56)(5×107) =1.28×100).

What does laser classification depend on?

Lasers are grouped into seven classes depending on the potential for the beam to cause harm. The hazard and hence the classification depends on the wavelength, power, energy and pulse characteristics. The class of the laser can be used to help decide what safety control measures are required when using the laser.

How is laser exposure measured?

So how do you measure laser exposure? You can measure exposure easily with most Ophir power meters, in conjunction with a pyroelectric energy sensor. Just select “menu” to access the function menu, and then select “exposure.” The power meter will now display the total exposure (energy) instead of the energy per pulse.

What is a Class 3B laser?

WHAT IS A CLASS 3B LASER? Class 3B lasers are hazardous for eye exposure. They can heat skin and materials but are not considered a burn hazard. For visible-light lasers, Class 3B lasers’ output power is between 5 and 499 milliwatts.

How is laser irradiance calculated?

Enter the laser’s power in milliwatts. If you know the power in watts, multiply the watts by 1000 to get milliwatts. For example, for a 1 watt laser, enter 1000; for a 1.5 watt laser, enter 1500; for a 40 watt laser enter 40000.

What do you know about laser?

laser, a device that stimulates atoms or molecules to emit light at particular wavelengths and amplifies that light, typically producing a very narrow beam of radiation. Laser is an acronym for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.” …

What is a Class 2 laser?

Class 2 lasers are low power (< 1mW), visible light lasers that could possibly cause damage to a person’s eyes. Some examples of Class 2 laser use are: classroom demonstrations, laser pointers, aiming devices and range finding equipment.