Difference between revisions of "Laser pointer"

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m (Text replace - "== Authority ==" to "== Sources Checked for Data in Record ==")
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Laser Institute of America: [http://www.laserinstitute.org/publications/safety_bulletin/laser_pointer/ Laser Pointer Safety]
 
Laser Institute of America: [http://www.laserinstitute.org/publications/safety_bulletin/laser_pointer/ Laser Pointer Safety]
  
== Authority ==
+
== Sources Checked for Data in Record ==
  
 
* ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', http://www.britannica.com  Comment: laser." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service  10 Mar. 2005 .
 
* ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', http://www.britannica.com  Comment: laser." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service  10 Mar. 2005 .

Revision as of 07:15, 1 May 2016

Laser pointer

Description

A small, handheld diode Laser that emits an intense beam of light. Laser pointers were originally sold as tools for lectures in classrooms, conventions, and meetings. Low energy red light lasers (class 2) are generally acceptable for use in gallery talks as the UV-free, low energy wavelengths are not permanently fixed to a single position.

Laser pointers fall into the following classes:

- Class 2: power output of less than 1 milliwatt (mW). These red (630-680 nm) light lasers are generally considered safe. They should have an FDA label of CAUTION: Laser Radiation. Most laser pointers made before 1993 are class 2.

- Class 3a: maximum power output between 1 and 5 mW. These are also red (630-680 nm) lasers but increased power increases potential hazards to the eye. They should have an FDA label of DANGER: Laser Radiation.

- Class 3b: emit green light (532 nm) with a maximum power up to 15 mW. These laser pointers, usually imported from China or Russia, exceed permissible exposure levels and are hazardous. They are unlabeled.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Laserpointer (Deut.)

Hazards and Safety

Direct laser light in the eye for an extended period of time may cause damage. Short exposures should not cause permanent damage, but may cause temporary flash blindness, headaches, afterimages, or glare.

Additional Information

Laser Institute of America: Laser Pointer Safety

Sources Checked for Data in Record

  • Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: laser." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service 10 Mar. 2005 .
  • The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

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