Laser Pointer Hazards Measured by NIST Scientists

Wed, 03/20/2013 - 3:08pm

NIST laser safety officer Joshua Hadler and his apparatus for measuring the properties of handheld laser devices. Credit: Burrus/NISTUsing a low-cost apparatus designed to quickly and accurately measure the properties of handheld laser devices, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers tested 122 laser pointers and found that nearly 90% of green pointers and about 44% of red pointers tested were out of compliance with federal safety regulations. The NIST test apparatus was designed so that it can be replicated easily by other institutions.

As NIST researchers reported at a conference on March 20, 2013,¹ both red and green laser pointers often emitted more visible power than allowed under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and green pointers often emitted unacceptable levels of infrared light as well.

Anecdotal reports of green laser hazards have previously appeared in scientific journals and the media, but the new NIST tests are the first reported precision measurements of a large number of handheld laser devices. The NIST tests point out that many red laser pointers are also—unexpectedly—out of compliance with federal regulations. "Our results raise numerous safety questions regarding laser pointers and their use," the new paper states.

More - Link >>> http://www.rdmag.com/news/2013/03/nist-tests-underscore-hazards-green-laser-pointers?et_cid=3151512&et_rid=544605860&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.rdmag.com%2fnews%2f2013%2f03%2fnist-tests-underscore-hazards-green-laser-pointers

Source: R&D Magazine.

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