ILSC 2009 Paper #203 (Retinal Damage from NIR Laser Exposure)

Retinal Damage from NIR Laser Exposure
Authors:
Benjamin A. Rockwell, Air Force Reserach Lab, AFRL 711 HPW/RHDO; San Antonio TX USA
Rebecca Vincelette, Air Force Research Lab, AFRL 711 HPW/RHDO; Brooks City-Base TX USA
Jeffrey W. Oliver, Air Force Research Lab, AFRL 711 HPW/RHDO; Brooks City-Base TX USA
Semih Kumru, Air Force Research Lab, AFRL 711 HPW/RHDO; Brooks City-Base TX USA
Gary D. Noojin, Northrop Grumman; San Antonio TX USA
Kurt J. Schuster, Northrop Grumman; San Antonio TX USA
David Stolarski, Northrop Grumman; San Antonio TX USA
Aurora Shingledecker, Northrop Grumman; San Antonio TX USA
C.D. Clar...

ILSC 2009 Paper #202 (Retinal Phototoxicity Observed using High-resolution Autofluorescence Imaging)

Retinal Phototoxicity Observed using High-resolution Autofluorescence Imaging
Authors:
Jennifer J. Hunter, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester; Rochester NY USA
Jessica I. W. Morgan, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA USA
William H. Merigan, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester; Rochester NY USA
David R. Williams, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester; Rochester NY USA
Presented at ILSC 2009

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides guidelines for the safe use of lasers from which maximum permissible exposures of laser light are calculated. This standard is used...

ILSC 2009 Paper #201 (On the Time Dependence of the Laser-induced Retinal Injury Thresholds in the Nanosecond to Millisecond Time Domain)

On the Time Dependence of the Laser-induced Retinal Injury Thresholds in the Nanosecond to Millisecond Time Domain
Authors:
David Lund, US Army Medical Research Detachment; San Antonio TX USA
Presented at ILSC 2009

The wavelength dependence of the MPE for retinal exposure to durations greater than
1 nanoseconds have essentially unchanged since the 1970s (ANSI, ICNIRP, IEC). When guidance was included in 2000 for exposure durations less than 1 ns, the new MPE was set equal to the existing MPE at 1 nanoseconds. Recent studies have measured laser-induced retinal injury thresholds only a factor of 3 higher than the MPE for point-source exposure in NHP eyes for 3-5 ns duration exposures at 532 nm...

ILSC 2009 Paper #1505 (Laser Classification of an Extended Source Laser System)

Laser Classification of an Extended Source Laser System
Authors:
Penelope Galoff, U. S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine; Aberdeen Proving Ground MD USA
Presented at ILSC 2009

As more complex lasers are developed, the classification of these lasers is becoming increasingly more complex. A conservative laser classification can result from an incomplete hazard analysis. Extended source lasers require additional considerations for classification. The classification of a near-infrared (905 nm) laser rangefinder which is considered a point source for Condition 2 and an extended source for Condition 1 is presented. The measurements needed and the determination of maximum p...

ILSC 2009 Paper #1504 (Laser Hazard Assessment with an Eye Simulator)

Laser Hazard Assessment with an Eye Simulator
Authors:
Menachem Margaliot, Soreq NRC; - Israel
Arie Amitzi, Soreq NRC ; Yavne Israel
Presented at ILSC 2009

Optical radiation entering the eye is focused on the retina and produces a focal spot of relatively high energy/power density. The size of this focal spot is the critical factor in determining the hazard classification of an optical source.
For laser beams this focal spot is extremely small and hence - the high optical hazard of laser radiation.
Analyzing the hazard classification of laser product is commonly conducted by computational methods, assuming the laser source specifications as provided by the device manufacturer, a...

ILSC 2009 Paper #1502 (Total on Time Pulse Method for Evaluating the Hazards from Pulsed Lasers)

Total on Time Pulse Method for Evaluating the Hazards from Pulsed Lasers
Authors:
Wesley Marshall, US Army CHPPM; Gunpowder MD USA
Presented at ILSC 2009

Although the total on time pulse (TOTP) method has been successfully used to compute the maximum permissible exposure for repeated exposure to laser energy, some modification to the method must be made when the pulse duration is short and the pulse energies vary from pulse to pulse. Alternative methods to TOTP are presented for pulses of varying energy as well as a modification to the TOTP method that will provide a more accurate assessment of the hazards.

ILSC 2009 Paper #1501 (In the Safety Limbo: Simultaneous Illumination and Optical Wireless Communications with Light-emitting Diodes)

In the Safety Limbo: Simultaneous Illumination and Optical Wireless Communications with Light-emitting Diodes
Authors:
Werner Horak, Siemens AG; Munich Germany
Joachim Walewski, Siemens AG; Munich Germany
Presented at ILSC 2009

The high-speed modulation capabilities of white light-emitting LEDs offer a unique combination of illumination and simultaneous free-room data transmission and therewith a series of new and promising applications. However, the optical radiation safety requirements for this dual-use of LEDs are currently separately provided with two different standards: free-space optical communication with LEDs is (still) covered by the application-related part of the laser-...

ILSC 2009 Paper #1406 (Matilda: A Joint UK/US Military Laser Range Clearance Utility Based on Probabilistic Hazard Assessment Techniques)

Matilda: A Joint UK/US Military Laser Range Clearance Utility Based on Probabilistic Hazard Assessment Techniques
Authors:
Brian Flemming, Selex Galileo; Edinburgh Great Britain
Presented at ILSC 2009

The MATILDA utility is a joint venture between the United States Air Force (USAF) and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MOD). Its purpose is to provide a means of assessing laser irradiation risks to unprotected persons from military laser training operations in uncontrolled outdoor environments, and is based on the UK probabilistic laser hazard assessment technique. It is intended that this new common facility will become a standard tool for undertaking laser hazard assessments for mil...

ILSC 2009 Paper #1405 (Laser on Time As Safety or Only a Part of Safety?)

Laser on Time As Safety or Only a Part of Safety?
Authors:
Erwin Heberer, -; Heusenstamm Germany
Presented at ILSC 2009

More and more speak of the Risk analyses for the laser plant from the laser on Time as the optimal solution for the judgment of the endurance of Laser guard with high power laser.

The Laser on Time alone is not sufficient s only then one in addition to security component although the interior is controlled so that possible damages of the wall or other components during the duration of one 8 hour shift (DIN/EN of 60825-4 annex B) are captured.

It can result in a production shift through the reflection inessential damages which ones do not fail immediately to the total one...

ILSC 2009 Paper #1404 (A Collection of Distinct and Noteworthy Control Measures)

A Collection of Distinct and Noteworthy Control Measures
Authors:
Candace Soles, Coherent, Inc.; Santa Clara CA USA
Cathi Scogin, Sperian Protection; Pleasanton CA USA
Presented at ILSC 2009

When it comes to laser safety, it is often advantageous to think outside the box for maximum impact to laser users and non-laser users. The standard regulations, such as ANSI, OSHA, and IEC, give fine examples of control measures, but they might not always be the best fit for the situation. As lasers gain in popularity because of their increasing sophistication and/or because of their affordability, Laser Safety Officers, out of necessity, are prompted to be creative when implementing control...