Simplified Method for Selecting Laser Eye Protection for Intrabeam Viewing

Simplified Method for Selecting Laser Eye Protection for Intrabeam Viewing for Wavelenghts between 400-1400 nm.**

Q-Switched
Lasers

 

(10-9 - 10-2 s)

Non-Q-Switched Lasers

 

(0.4x10-3 - 10-2 s)

Continuous-
Wave Lasers
Momentary

(0.25 - 10 s)

Continuous-
Wave Lasers
Momentary

(less than 1 h)

Attenuation

 

 

 

Maximum Output Energy
 

 (J•cm2)

Maximum Beam Radiant Exposure

(J)

Maximum Output Energy

 

( J•cm2)

Maximum Beam Radiant Exposure

(J)

Maximum Power Output

 

 (W)

Maximum Beam Irradiance

 

 (W•cm2)

Maximum Power Output

 

  (W)

Maximum Beam Irradiance

 

(W•cm2)

Attenuation Factor

 

 

 

OD

 

 

 

 

10

20

100

200

105 *

2 x 105 *

100*

200*

100000000

8

1

2

10

20

104 *

2 x 104 *

10*

20*

10000000

7

10-1

2 x 10-1

1

2

103 *

2 x 103 *

1

2

1000000

6

10-2

2 x 10-2

10-1

2 x 10-1

100*

200*

10-1

2 x 10-1

100000

5

10-3

2 x 10-3

10-2

2 x 10-2

10

20

10-2

2 x 10-2

10000

4

10-4

2 x 10-4

10-3

2 x 10-3

1

2

10-3

2 x 10-3

1000

3

10-5

2 x 10-5

10-4

2 x 10-4

10-1

2 x 10-1

10-4

2 x 10-4

100

2

10-6

2 x 10-6

10-5

2 x 10-5

10-2

2 x 10-2

10-5

2 x 10-5

10

1

*Not recommended as a control procedure at these levels.
These levels of output power could damage or destroy the attenuating material used in eye protection. The skin also needs protection at these levels.

**Use of this table may result in optical densities (OD) greater than necessary.

  See ANSI Z136.1-2000, section 4.6.2 for other wavelengths.

Reproduced with permission from LIA Guide for the Selection of Laser Eye Protection, 5th edition.

Copyright 2000, Laser Institute of America, Orlando, FL.  All rights reserved.