Protective Equipment
Laser Protective Eyewear
Laser Output Factors
The different modes of operation of a laser are distinguished by the rate at
which energy is emitted. These include such factors as CW, normal pulse mode,
repetitively pulsed, Q-switched and mode-locked.
These lasers are by no means representative of the vast number of different
lasers which are manufactured. It is evident that even these most common laser
types produce a wide range of output levels and specific beam characteristics
which are dependent in a complex way upon the particular laser media and the manner
in which it is operated. This makes a general broad comparison of all laser devices
a difficult, if not impossible task, especially for safety eye protection specifications.
For pulsed lasers, the peak power characteristics are all important, and typically,
the output specifications are expressed in terms of the pulse energy (Joules)
for a given pulse length (seconds). When the output beam is repetitively pulsed,
the output beam specifications are usually expressed in terms of average power
(Watts), pulse repetition rate (Hertz or pulses-per-second), and single pulse
duration (seconds). In addition, the peak power (Watts) of the individual pulse
is also often specified. Depending upon design, the beams will, in general, be
delivered in a single pulse, in a series of repetitive pulses, or as a continuous
wave (CW) level of radiant power.
