Laser Safety Manual

Laser Safety Manual 42 Pulsed Laser A laser that delivers its energy in the form of a single pulse or a series of pulses. The duration of a pulse is regarded to be < 0.25 s. Q-switch A device for producing very short (~10-250 ns), intense laser pulses by enhancing the storage and dumping of electronic energy in and out of the lasing medium. Q-Switched Laser A laser that emits short (~10-250 ns), high-power pulses by means of a Q-switch. Radiant Exposure (H) Surface density of the radiant energy received in units of J/cm². Radiant Power ( Φ ) Power emitted, transferred, or received in the form of radiation in units of watts (W). Synonym: radiant lux. Repetitive Pulse Laser A laser with multiple pulses of radiant energy occurring in a sequence. Shall The word shall is to be understood as mandatory. Should The word should is to be understood as advisory. Specular Reflection A mirror-like reflection. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Formal written description of the safety and administrative procedures to be followed in performing a specific task. The procedure specifies measures which, if followed, will ensure safe and correct use of the laser or laser system. Transmittance The ratio of transmitted power (energy) to incident power (energy). Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation (Light) For the purpose of this laser safety manual, electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 0.18 and 0.40 µm. Visible Radiation (Light) Electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the human eye. This term is commonly used to describe wavelengths of 0.4 to 0.7 µm. Derivative standards may legitimately use 0.38 – 0.78 µm for the visible radiation range. Wavelength The distance in the line of advance of a sinusoidal wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase (e.g., the distance from one peak to the next).