The perfect laser operator's guide

While working on laser of higher class than class 1, it is mandatory to :

- Have the perfect control over the beam, from the source to the detector :

• Every fully or partially reflecting object must be tightly fixed

• One must perfectly know his experiment and the exact trajectory of the beam. This knowledge allows one to find the accidental reflections and to stop them (using absorbing, non-reflecting shutters)

• In order to stop the beam, one must minimize the diffused radiation consequent to, for example, the interception of a high power laser by some cardboard. It is much better to use an adapted tool, such as a beam dump or some diffusive foam inside an opaque tube.

- Take all the available precautions :

• Make the adjustments at low power

• Never place one's eyes in the laser propagation axis

• Always work without wearing any reflecting object like a watch, bracelet, ring...

• Always work with some minimal ambient lightning, in order to prevent the pupil from being wide opened

• And of course, always wear adapted safety goggles