18 laser testing
Ophir’s laser beam profiling
we will walk them through the process of making
equipment offers ease of use. a correct laser measurement. Often the problem
has to do with a wavelength set-up problem or
some other setting that was forgotten. Worst case,
for example when measuring a high power kW
laser, a customer could damage the sensor coating
if the laser power is too high, which could damage
the sensor itself. But these are not safety issues.’
Powerlase’s Mason believes education is the key
to a safer laser user. ‘We would never sacrifice safety
exactly the type of interface he requires. The user manufacturer simulate every application. Nothing for ease of use,’ he says. ‘Customers usually have a
manuals are useful, but there is no substitute for is 100 per cent foolproof.’ more relaxed attitude to laser safety than we do.
the customer being trained in how to use the laser It all depends on the piece of kit being This is usually due to a lack of understanding of
either at the time of install, or by visiting us.’ used. Mason adds: ‘Some pieces of equipment, the hazards involved. We try to educate them
for example a laser power meter, are hard to during system install.’
Fully infallible? use incorrectly (although quite possible). Some And Bergman too cites safety training as
But will users ever have a piece of laser testing kit pieces of equipment, such as for measuring beam being the most important aspect within any laser
that is 100 per cent foolproof? Don’t hold your quality, are very easy to set up incorrectly and make testing environment. He adds: ‘This, of course,
breath. Bergman says: ‘That would mean a laser a bad measurement. We don’t usually perform assumes a person understands how to be around
measurement device would have to be so robust these types of tests in the field, just as part of the and operate their laser safely in the first place. A
that it will measure the laser correctly, no matter setup and qualification process at Powerlase.’ person always requires laser safety training if they
how the user operates it. In the end, there are are going to operate lasers. This is even more
lots of laser wavelengths so a user has to be able Leave it to the experts important if they are going to operate it outside of
to set that up in the device, because laser light But is there ever a danger that, when making a safety enclosures. We always remind people at the
reflects off surfaces differently depending upon the piece of testing equipment easy to use, this could beginning of our user manuals that the use and
wavelength.’ reduce the safety of the system? Wagner warns measurement of lasers is potentially dangerous.
Bergman adds: ‘Many beams are not visible that education is the key to making sure accidents Proper laser operating practice in accordance with
to the eye, so the user has to make sure the do not happen: ‘Special care is taken to educate manufacturer recommendations is vital.’
beam is completely on the sensor, otherwise the users on the use of test equipment. It is critical But the message from the manufacturers seems
measurement will be off. So, no, 100 per cent that all laser and photonics users get the proper to be clear: within laser testing there cannot be
foolproof seems unrealistic. But we do our best to education.’ any non-specialists. Even users inexperienced
make our devices easier to use by addressing these Bergman maintains that safety is paramount. within the world of photonics need a basic level
types of setup requirements by making coatings He says: ‘Making a measurement device easier of training to make sure that they are using the
that vary less and less across the laser spectrum, to use does not make it more dangerous. In our testing equipment correctly. Even once such
and by creating sensors that can show the position experience, the most common result of making training is received, a mass of documentation and
of the beam on the sensor, for example.’ a mistake during a laser measurement is that the help should be available to make sure any user has
EO_3rd_184x85mm_Numbers.qx7:Electro Optics 28/5/08 19:32 Pag
Wagner notes: ‘Like any tool, lasers cannot accuracy might be off. Typically if s
e 1
omeone is the information required to test and calibrate lasers
predict how you will use them – nor can the running into problems like this they will call us and accurately and, most importantly, safely.
Safety,innumbers
Products: Services
• Interlocksystems • UKASaccredited
• Illuminatedwarning testingtoEN60825-1
signs • Training
• Labelling • Consultancy
• Lasersafetysoftware • FDAregistration
• Shutters • Laserprotection
• Protectiveeyewear adviserservice
• Protectivecurtainsand • Riskassessment
screens • Lasersafetyaudit
• Filterwindows • Powermeter
All your quality laser safety
• Powermeters calibration
equipment and compliance
•Enclosures/cabins
services from the world leaders.
Lasermetfordesign,supplyandinstall.
Tel+44(0)1202770740 sales@lasermet.com www.lasermet.com
EOfeb09 pp16-19 testing.indd 18 17/2/09 16:46:38
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