Index

Laser information page

    General information

    The 'laser' - or - (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) was perfected in 1960, by research scientist Theodore Maiman at the Hughes Laboratory in Malibu California. Physicists Charles H. Townes and his brother-in-law Arthur Schawlow were the first to actually apply for a patent on the laser and they were the first to publish their findings in scientific journals. The He-Ne laser (red beam) was in commercial use, by 1968. Today many different types of lasers exist, for a wide range of applications. Lasers are used for surgery, for cutting metal, for determining distance, for projecting 3-dimensional holographic images, for computer printing and for entertainment lighting applications. Laser light differs from ordinary light in four ways. Briefly it is much more intense, directional, monochromatic and coherent. Most lasers consist of a column of active material with a partly reflecting mirror at one end and a fully reflecting mirror at the other. The active material can be solid (ruby crystal), liquid or gas (HeNe, CO2 etc.).

    Laser safety

    Safety instructions for lasers: Laser beams may damage the eyes severely or may cause blindness if they radiate into the eyes directly or indirectly.Therefore the laser electronics must be installed in such a manner thatradiation into the eyes will be impossible neither directly nor indirectlyvia mirrows in the room. When using lasers with an output power higher than 1 mW, you should checkabout the legal regulations for prevention of accidents and be verycareful. Normal laser pointers sold in shops have typically outputpower of 1..5 mW (power depends on laser pointer model and whatcountry regulations say on maximum power). This power level isnormally not very hazardous, but can cause permanent datageto your eye if you stare at the beam. You should be verycareful with higer power lasers and lasers on that power rangethat emit invisible radiation, because they can cause immediateeye damage (and very high power lasers can cause skin burns or fire).With eny high power laser make sure that you have safe operatingenvironment, necessary regulations/permissions and somebody thattakes care that these legal regulations are observed.Lasers use coherent light which has very different properties to a standard lighting effect. This is what makes lasers one of the most beautiful forms of light, but also one of the most dangerous light sources if not used with proper cautions.

      Safety guidelines

      Laser shows and exhibitions

    Laser components in Finland

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