Whether you’re a long-time business owner or a budding entrepreneur, laser technology can be a vital part of your company’s manufacturing process. That’s because the involvement of laser technology is increasingly found in various products.
However, before going into technicalities, let’s start off with the basics. From the various types and uses of lasers to laser pointers and how to use lasers safely. Below are some of the most common questions asked by different people:
What Actually Is Laser?
Laser refers to light amplification that’s produced by radiation. There are different types of lasers. The basic type comprises a sealed tube, mirrors, and one laser medium. The laser beam is generated by exciting the medium while using an energy that generates visible light.
What Differentiates One Laser Light from the Other?
Laser Light Technologies can be distinguished by specific laser medium being used. To produce laser light, the medium needs to be exposed to energy. It then responds by generating energy in the form of light particles known as photons. The mirrors then reflect the light to create a focused stream. This stream is called laser beam.
What Are the Main Uses of Lasers?
Many products such as barcode scanners, CD/DVD players, and laser-guided levels involve the use of lasers. You can point out the most important details of your business presentation by using a laser pointer! Similarly, lasers are essential elements for such things as dental drills and much more.
What Makes Lasers Hazardous?
Lasers can be hazardous in the following ways:
- When a beam of laser light is emitted without being dispersed, diffused or filtered, it will maintain its intensity throughout the beam, even at great distances. This means it can create the same level of damage at a distance as it would near its origin.
- Direct laser exposure to eyes is dangerous and can cause blindness. The shape of the eye causes the laser beam to focus on a small area of the retina, which may lead to a blind spot or a burn, depending on the length of exposure and the intensity of the beam.
Can Lasers Cause Cancer?
Laser radiation is different from radio waves, microwaves, or radioactive radiation and it does not cause cancer. In fact, it interacts with the body in quite a similar way as ordinary light. This signifies that there are minimum chances of having cancer caused by the use of laser.
Who Can Use All Types of Lasers?
The FDA strictly regulates the use of all lasers. This indicates that lasers can only be used for their actual purpose. For instance, some highly strong lasers are designed for medical or industrial use only. Therefore, these shouldn’t be used by anyone who doesn’t possess relevant training and license.
According to FDA regulations, all laser products are required to carry a warning. Furthermore, these laser products must state explicitly that they comply with FDA regulation.
What Are the Various Classes of Laser Hazards?
The FDA categorizes lasers according to four hazard classes (from 1 to 4). Class 2 is categorized into sub class 2a and class 3 is categorized into subclasses 3a and 3b. A higher class indicates a more powerful laser, which in turn indicates a higher hazard. If the laser is above Class II, it’s required to show a warning label that mentions the hazard class of the product.
How Do Laser Pointers Work?
These are what we normally think about when one mentions “lasers.” FDA regulation defines them as leveling laser products that are used regularly in academic and business settings to point towards objects of interest. These pointers are so popular that they’re now being incorporated into hand tools and are readily available as toys as well as office supplies.
Is It Safe to Use Lasers?
As long as you use them properly, lasers are safe to use. However, the potential for misuse arises when you point laser pointers at someone’s eyes. That’s because a laser beam is so concentrated that it can damage your eyes more than the sun’s rays. Children are found pointing such laser light at others’ eyes, therefore, make sure you keep laser pointers away from their reach.
Likewise, lasers can be a cause of accidents if you aim a beam of laser light at someone who is operating some heavy machinery or driving a vehicle, so be careful.
The Bottom Line
Laser technology is evolving and businesses manufacturing products that involve the use of this technology are also on the rise. That’s why, as a business owner, it’s wise to enlighten yourself about the uses as well as possible hazards of lasers beforehand. Now that you know the answers to the top laser FAQs, you can confidently focus on manufacturing and selling laser products related to your business.
Alice McKenzie is an optical systems engineer. Since she usually loses family and friends as soon as she says her job title, never mind going into any detail, Alice likes to discuss her job with like-minded people on industry and business blogs!
