Laser classification and laser class
The main component of the laser lamp is the laser, and the laser is divided into various types according to the wavelength, because the laser with different wavelengths has different damage to human tissues and organs. Therefore, various types of lasers are divided into the following four categories according to their power output and harm to human body. Let's learn about the four categories with KVANT laser editor:
Class I laser
No biological hazard.
Any possible viewing of the beam is shielded and the laser system is interlocked during laser exposure. (Large laser printers such as the DEC LPS-40 are powered by a 10 mW (Class IIIb) HeNe laser. Although the actual laser is a Class IIIb, the printer is interlocked to avoid any contact with the exposed laser beam. Therefore, this device does not present any biological hazard. This also applies to CD players and small laser printers, which are Class I devices).
Class II laser
The output power is 1 milliwatt to 5 milliwatts. Does not burn skin.
Under certain conditions, such lasers can cause blindness and other damage to the eyes. Such laser products should have:
(1) Laser emission indicator light, indicating whether the laser is working;
(2) The power key switch should be used to prevent unauthorized use by others;
(3) There should be a hazard label and a label that outputs xx.
Class III laser
The output power is 5 milliwatts to 500 milliwatts. At higher powers, these laser products can burn the skin.
This type of laser product is clearly defined as harmful to the eyes, especially when the power is relatively high, it will cause eye damage. Such laser products must have:
(1) Key switch to prevent unauthorized use by others;
(2) Laser emission indicator light, indicating whether the laser is working;
(3) There is a delay time of 3 to 5 seconds after the power is turned on to make the operator leave the beam path,
(4) Equipped with an emergency stop switch to cut off the laser beam at any time;
(5) Red hazard labels and xx (aperature) labels must be attached to the laser. (A 250mw laser irradiates a piece of red paper, and it ignites in less than 2 seconds!)
Class IV laser
The output power is greater than 500 milliwatts. Such laser products must be capable of causing eye damage. Just like burning skin and igniting clothing, lasers can ignite other materials. Such laser systems must have:
(1) Key switch to prevent unauthorized use by others;
(2) Safety device to prevent the protective cover of the system from being opened during work;
(3) Laser emission indicator light, indicating whether the laser is working;
(4) Equipped with an emergency stop switch to cut off the laser beam at any time;
(5) Put the red danger label and xx (aperature) label on the laser. The reflected beam of this type of laser is as dangerous as the main beam. (A 1000-watt laser can punch a hole in a steel plate. Imagine what would happen if it were an eye!)
