Introduction to Laser Safety

Laser energy is a type of electromagnetic radiation, a form of energy that has properties of both waves and discrete particles of energy called photons. Electromagnetic radiation takes many forms:

• Gamma rays
• X-rays
• Ultraviolet rays
• Visible light
• Infrared radiation
• Microwaves
• Radio waves

All laser beams have three common characteristics:

• Monochromaticity: The generation of light in a very narrow band around one central wavelength.
• Coherence: Emitted light waves that have a fixed relationship through time and space. Temporal coherence occurs between waves at one place at different times. Spatial coherence occurs at different locations across the light beam at the same time.
• Radiance: Lasers create a large amount of energy within a small, contained area, resulting in extreme brightness.

Lasers have a variety of applications spanning industries, including:

• Construction
• Entertainment
• Biomedical
• Military
• Communications
• Scanning
• Soldering
• Welding

To learn more about Laser Safety visit our Laser Safety Online Training web page.