Using Lasers in Kid's Toys: Is it Safe?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the safety of incorporating low-power laser diodes into children's toys. Participants recommend using Class II lasers with an output power of less than 1 mW, which are deemed safe for such applications. The necessity of using lasers over LEDs is emphasized due to the requirement for reflecting narrow beams off surfaces. The conversation also touches on the intended use of the laser for creating visible beams in a suspended medium.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Class II laser safety standards
  • Knowledge of laser diode specifications and applications
  • Familiarity with optical reflection principles
  • Basic concepts of machine vision in toy design
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Class II laser specifications and safety guidelines
  • Explore alternatives to laser diodes, such as high-intensity LEDs
  • Investigate optical reflection techniques for toy design
  • Learn about machine vision applications in consumer products
USEFUL FOR

Toy designers, safety engineers, and product developers interested in integrating laser technology into children's toys while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.

hedons
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Hi,
I am a ME working on a toy design. I know next to nothing about lasers diodes.

Is there a laser diode of low enough power that it could be safely incorporated into a kids toy? (visible "dot" required. Or is all laser light potentially harmful to the retina?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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Try a class II laser, < 1 mW output power.

http://electron9.phys.utk.edu/optics507/Laboratories/Laser%20Safety.htm

- Warren
 
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Is there a laser diode of low enough power that it could be safely incorporated into a kids toy?
Does it have to be a laser? Could you just use a LED as the light source?
 
Originally posted by dlgoff
Does it have to be a laser? Could you just use a LED as the light source?

Hi Don,
I think it would have to be a laser as I need to reflect a narrow beam off several surfaces.
 
...I need to reflect a narrow beam off several surfaces.
Are you using it as "machine vision"? e.g. using it to locate where the toy is?
 
Originally posted by dlgoff
Are you using it as "machine vision"? e.g. using it to locate where the toy is?

Hi Don,
Without giving too much away...
I am using it to create a series of reflected visible beams as it passes through a suspended medium.

Thanks!
 
Originally posted by hedons
Hi Don,
Without giving too much away...
I am using it to create a series of reflected visible beams as it passes through a suspended medium.

Thanks!

Just curious. Does it have to be visible light or could it be infered?

Regards
 
It must be visible for the effect I am looking for.
 

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