Eye Safety: Laser Diode Recommendations

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for laser diodes that are safe for the eyes during prolonged exposure. Participants explore the safety of various laser applications and the importance of protective measures.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests recommendations for laser diodes that are safe for eye exposure.
  • Another participant inquires about the application of the laser and whether users will be wearing protective eyewear.
  • A different participant asserts that the only safe laser near the eyes is one with no power applied, emphasizing the risks of eye damage from lasers.
  • Some participants discuss the types of lights used in laser tag systems that are designed to avoid causing eye damage.
  • One participant suggests using online resources to find information about laser tag eye safety.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety of laser diodes, with some emphasizing the risks and others seeking practical applications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding specific recommendations for safe laser diodes.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of "safe" in terms of laser exposure, as well as the context of use and protective measures that may vary by application.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in laser safety, including hobbyists, educators, and those involved in laser applications such as laser tag or medical fields.

Hank_Rearden
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
Can anyone recommend a good laser diode that won't cause damage to the eye with prolonged exposure?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Hank_Rearden said:
Can anyone recommend a good laser diode that won't cause damage to the eye with prolonged exposure?

What is the application? Will users be wearing protective eyewear?
 
Lasers are used by eye surgeons to reattach detached retinas.

Apart from this and unless you are already an eye surgeon, the only safe laser to put anywhere near your eyes is one with no power applied to it.

If you do look at a laser, at least keep one eye closed, so that you will not be totally blind afterwards.
 
Well, what types of lights are used in things like commercially available laser tag systems that won't cause eye damage?
 
Hank_Rearden said:
Well, what types of lights are used in things like commercially available laser tag systems that won't cause eye damage?

Google is our friend. I googled laser tag eye safety, and the first hit has the answer:

http://www.lasertag.com.au/lasertagsafety.htm

.
 

Similar threads

Troubleshooting Laser Diode Circuit with Arduino and PN2222a Transistor
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Pwrng a 1064nm Diode/Laser Pointer w/Voltage Regulation
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
Problem with this Laser diode circuit
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
What is the Type of Laser Used in My Wine Raman Spectrometer?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
How do you calculate the power requirement for a circuit? (laser diodes)
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
Understanding Laser Diodes: Operation & I-V Curves
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Extreme Fiber Coupled Laser Diode Power Loss
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Can RF101 Diodes Be Used in Low-Frequency Recovery Circuits?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Help Identifying a Component (TO-220)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
How strict is the voltage rating on laser diodes?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K