As new lower-cost laser technology becomes more readily available to consumers, laser safety experts at the Laser Institute of America (LIA) are concerned for the public’s safety.

Recently released to the public and promoted as the world’s first 445 nm direct blue diode portable laser with output powers of up to 1 Watt, an internet retailer is selling this Class 4 laser product for under $300. “Our concerns are for the consumers, uninformed of the hazards, who may operate the device placing themselves and others at risk of injury,” stated Peter Baker, LIA’s executive director. Continue reading →

Coherent Inc. has expanded its revolutionary PowerMax™-USB/RS series of laser power measurement products with the addition of several new sensors.  PowerMax-USB/RS sensors, first introduced in December, 2009, were the world’s first to integrate a sensor head with complete meter electronics that are miniaturized within a USB 2.0 or RS‑232 cable connector.  The original product offering included optical and thermopile sensors that enabled laser power measurement up to the tens of watts range.  Now, new PowerMax sensors extend this into the kilowatt range.  Specifically, these include new water cooled thermopile sensors, suitable for measuring laser power from 1W to 1 kW, anywhere over the 250 nm to 10.6 μm spectral range.  The 1 kW sensor is available in a post mounted configuration, suitable for lab use, as well as a more compact form specifically intended for ease of integration in embedded, OEM applications. Continue reading →

Newport Corporation, a worldwide leader in laser and photonic solutions that Make, Manage, and Measure Light^®, announces the OTSE Integrated Overhead Shelf, the newest product in the SmartTable OTS^™ optical table system family.  The OTSE is an integrated overhead shelf that connects directly to the SmartTable-OTS frame so the entire system has a smaller footprint, more rigid design, and provides more accessibility to the table than other competitive shelf systems.  This integration makes moving even the most complex system easy.  The overhead shelf features a 23.5-inch deep surface and 300lb load capacity to provide sufficient room and stability for even the largest instruments.  For added convenience, Newport’s new OTSE version features a blank front panel for use in applications that may be sensitive to the electrical fields generated by power outlet strips. Continue reading →

LAM 2011

February 16-17, 2011 • Houston, TX USA

Join us for LIA’s third annual Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM) 2011 to learn from industry specialists from around the world with the goal of applying this state-of-the-art process (cladding & rapid manufacturing) to today’s manufacturing challenges. LAM 2011 offers quality technical sessions and networking opportunities to discuss equipment and applications with vendors and your peers. Continue reading →