Comparing CW Argon Ion and Q-Switched Nd:YAG lasers
With the widespread interest in "YAG's", I thought it might be helpful to illustrate some of the differences between CW gas ion lasers, which most of us are quite familiar with, and the newer pulsed laser, which are still uncommon.
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Discussion of a 10 mWatt/cm2 Level of Laser Illumination
What is 10 microwatts per square centimeter? It is a measure of the concentration of power (power/unit area) called irradiance. This is more informative than simply the power of the beam or the size of the beam, although both together can give you the irradiance.
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Comparison of Laser and Incoherent Light Sources
Both Photometric and Radiometric responses to laser sources differ from the more common incoherent sources partly as a function of spectral content. Lasers are typically very narrowband emitters, usually on a single line. Compared with the more common wideband sources, laser spectra are often on the order of 1 nanometer.
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Audience Scanning Displays and Safety Compliance
At first, the mere idea of intentionally directing a Class Illb or IV laser beam into an audience seems insane. Such a beam can easily cause permanent harm in milliseconds, and the audience is unable to protect itself against such a hazard. Numerous safety officials and safety reports commonly cite "beams in the audience" as the worst-case safety problem in a laser display application.
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Implications of Zero Elevation Critical Airspace Zone Limits
In the August 1995 meeting of the SAE G-10 Subcommittee, discussion of possible helicopter locations and elevations lead to the modification of the lower physical limit of the Critical Airspace Zone. Originally set at a 40:1 departure slope from the end of the runway, the lower limit for Critical Airspace rose to a minimum elevation of 350 after 10,000 feet distance, and to 1500 feet after 14,000 feet distance.
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Factors in the evaluation of laser beam effects upon pilot performance
In the attempt to ameliorate the rare instances where a laser beam intercepts an aircraft, there have been several control measures suggested, including irradiance limits at a known range. This particular technique, while noteworthy, does not address all of the issues identified with the effect of a laser beam intercepting an aircraft.
(PDF: 39k)
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