Orlando, FL — The Laser Institute of America is pleased to announce the winner of the prestigious 2017 George M. Wilkening Award. Wesley J. Marshall, Principal of Laser Safety Specialties, will be recognized for his contributions in laser safety at the International Laser Safety Conference, held from March 20-23 at the Sheraton Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA.
The George M. Wilkening Award is presented to individuals who have made extensive contributions to laser safety in science, medicine, industry, or education. Established in 1997, the award is named after George M. Wilkening, the first ANSI Z136 Standards Committee Chairman. LIA is proud to recognize Mr. Marshall for his 40-year involvement with military laser safety, as well as his vast educational contributions in working with numerous institutions to increase laser safety knowledge.
Marshall has consulted on numerous projects involving laser equipment and systems. He has developed laser hazard analysis software, as well as educational courses involving laser safety and hazard awareness. Marshall serves on the Accredited Standards Committee for Safe Use of Lasers Z136, as a chair for Technical Subcommittee 7, which provides example calculations for the Z136 standards. He also serves as the chair for the SAE G10T Laser Safety Hazards Committee, providing guidance on outdoor laser operations.
Previously, Marshall served as the chair of Standard Subcommittee 6, which is responsible for the ANSI Z136.6 Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors. He has numerous publications in laser applications credited to his name. Marshall also served as a Manager of the Laser/Optical Radiation Program in the US Army.
LIA will present Marshall with the 2017 George M. Wilkening Award during the awards luncheon on the opening day of the International Laser Safety Conference. The ceremony will also highlight the winner of the R. James Rockwell Jr. Educational Achievement Award.
Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. http://www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.
The education achievement award recognizes contributions in laser safety and will be presented in Atlanta on March 20
ORLANDO, FL — The Laser Institute of America is pleased to announce the winner of the distinguished 2017 R. James Rockwell JR. Award to John O’ Hagan for his contributions in laser safety. The Rockwell Education Achievement Award recognizes individuals with outstanding contributions in safety education and will be presented on opening day, March 20, at this year’s International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
O’Hagan is honored for his work as a laser safety resource for governments and organizations, providing advice on the effects of optical radiation on people, as well as his work in laser safety education at Loughborough University. O’Hagan heads the Laser and Optical Radiation Dosimetry Group at Public Health England’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical, and Environmental Hazards and is also the Group Leader for Laser and Optical Radiation at Public Health England’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical, and Environmental Hazards; a position he has held since 1975.
As a visiting professor in Laser and Optical Radiation Safety at Loughborough University, he has collaborated on joint laser safety courses since 1990 and is also a member of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. He is the Director of Photobiology and Photochemistry at CIE; is credited with over 30 publications; a senior member of SPIE; and a fellow of the Laser Institute of America. O’Hagan will serve as the Conference General Chair for the 2017 ILSC.
O’Hagan will receive the Rockwell award at the ILSC Awards Luncheon. The ceremony will also highlight the winner of the George M. Wilkening Award. To learn more about ILSC and to register, please visit https://www.lia.org/conferences/ilsc.
About Laser Institute of America
Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. http://www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.
December 16, 2016 – Orlando, FL—The 2017 installment of LIA’s biennial International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC®) will take place March 20-23, in Atlanta, Georgia. Laser safety professionals from around the globe will gather to discuss all aspects of laser safety, from bioeffects research to control hazards to best practices for the Laser Safety Officer (LSO).
The conference will be chaired by John O’Hagan with Public Health England. Following the traditions of previous years, ILSC 2017 will feature presentations in three tracks: Laser Safety Scientific Sessions (LSSS), Medical Practical Applications Seminar (MPAS) and Technical Practical Applications Seminar (TPAS).
Karl Schulmeister, Chair for LSSS, assures that ILSC will continue to cover the subject matter that attendees have found most helpful over the years. The topics include laser product safety and bioeffects. The interactions between lasers and tissues as well as injury thresholds for the varying tissues of the eye and skin will be reviewed. Other sessions will focus on eyewear, outdoor lasers, high power lasers, materials processing and broadband incoherent radiation.
Certified Medical Laser Safety Officers (CMLSOs) Vangie Dennis, Patti Owens, Leslie Pollard, along with Kay Ball will lead the MPAS subtitled “Laser Safety: More than Smoke and Mirrors”.
“ILSC 2017 offers learning and networking opportunities to help healthcare professionals meet the challenges of laser technology,” said Ball. “Advancements and exciting new information will be highlighted, while experts will be able to share their knowledge and experiences.”
Owens includes “that day one would include pertinent information regarding the hazards of surgical smoke and plume.” “The latest research will be presented”, said Owens. “Analyzing the toxicity of surgical plume, the impact of chronic exposure to
“The latest research will be presented”, said Owens. “Analyzing the toxicity of surgical plume, the impact of chronic exposure to second hand smoke, recommended respiratory protection, new international initiatives and organizations, along with future legislation for management of this health hazard.”
“The second stimulating day will focus on management of collimated medical devices with exciting lectures addressing new applications of innovative laser technology, retinal and corneal injuries from exposure to lasers and Intense Pulsed Light, veterinary utilization of medical laser devices, Low Level Light therapy and PDT. Also, the role of the laser safety officer and how to produce positive safety outcomes for both staff and patient will be explored.”
Not to be outdone by their counterparts, co-chairs Certified Laser Safety Officers (CLSOs) Eddie Ciprazo and Jamie King’s theme for the TPAS is “Back to the Basics – Laser Safety 101”.
With something at this event for everyone regardless of their experience level, King notes that both senior and novice Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) will leave with valuable knowledge because of the variety of material that will be covered.
“From basic optics to cutting edge technologies and everything in between,” said King. “It’s here.”
TPAS will provide a full toolbox of information for every LSO in attendance. Wednesday morning kicks off with “So you are the LSO, now what?” and closes Thursday with “Resources for the LSO, don’t reinvent the wheel”. A first for the conference as well as TPAS, an open forum panel discussion with the FDA is sure to be of interest.
From LSOs and nurses, to safety product manufacturers and laser physicists, attendees will gain invaluable information from sessions and have the opportunity to network with others as a part of the laser safety experts community.
Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. www.lia.org , 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553
Bringing you up to date with the latest in lasers, LIA’s Weekly Wrap Up is a collection of this week’s highlights in laser technology, Laser Institute news, and Conference Updates as found across the web, on Lasers Today, and LIA’s network of social media channels.
What happened in lasers during the week of August 29, 2016?
Laser Industry News
Could lasers lead to more environmentally-friendly manufacturing? According to some, lasers can be used to save energy, reduce waste, and improve recycling when used. Lasers have already replaced some chemical processes, while laser marking has rendered the use of labels to be much less viable. Learn about other ways lasers are helping manufacturers “go green” here.
Researchers at University of Michigan, Ann Harbor are working on a laser–made of human blood, that would emit infrared light, allowing doctors to hunt down tumors. Using indocyanine green, a dye already used in medical imaging, researchers have found that mixing the dye with blood might lead to a powerful laser light. Currently, the mixture is held in a small container, and when shot with a conventional laser, is able to emit light. Learn more about the experimental process here.
Conference Updates
Mark your calendars! LIA’s Biennial International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC®) takes place March 20–23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. ILSC® gathers laser safety experts from around the globe for a comprehensive conference for laser industry professionals. This year’s conference is anticipated to cover laser product safety, medical laser safety and bio-effects. Find out more about the event, and how you can get involved here.
Industrial Laser Conference is right around the corner! Be sure to keep an eye on #ILCatIMTS at the conference, or from home for updates throughout the event. Industrial Laser Conference takes place September 13th, in Chicago, Illinois.
LIA News & Updates
Are you familiar with laser safety regulations in your state? You may be surprised to know that some states have specific laser safety regulations, not found everywhere else. Luckily, LIA has created a handy guide to state-mandated laser safety regulations. Find it here.
Staying on top of news and updates in the laser industry can be a challenge. To make it easier for the busy laser professional, LIA has created a comprehensive guide filled with online resources, recommended publications, and more! Download the free e-book, and expand your knowledge here.
Interested in learning more about laser additive manufacturing and other emerging laser technologies? Lasers Today keeps you up to date on all that you need to know about the laser industry, LIA, and more.
The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety. Our mission is to foster lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide.
Find us at www.lia.org — and follow us on Twitter for live, up-to-date conference information.
2015 was an exciting year for laser technology, and Laser Institute of America is proud to be part of the growth, innovation and recognition surrounding the field. The market for lasers worldwide remained steady, with an estimated 5 percent revenue growth for the year. Industrial lasers, specifically, had a projected revenue growth of 6.5 percent for the year. Fittingly, 2015 was designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Light, a decision made in 2013 to recognize “…the importance of raising global awareness about how light based technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health…” (“About the Year of Light” 2015 International Year of Light) The designation is a notable win for the laser, and other light based industries, worldwide. LIA served as a proud sponsor of IYL 2015.
LIA welcomed new officers and a new Board of Directors, in early 2015. LIA’s 2015 officers were President Robert Thomas, President Elect Lin Li, Treasurer Stephen Capp, Secretary Paul Denney, and Immediate Past President Yongfeng Lu. The Board of Directors welcomed Lutz Aschke Ph.D, Neil Ball, Milan Brandt, Klaus Löffler, William O’ Neill, Henrikki Pantsar, Nathaniel Quick, Michelle L. Stock Ph.D, Kunihiko Washio and Michael Woods.
The laser technology community unfortunately suffered the loss of Charles H. Townes, in January. Townes, with the help of his brother-in-law Arthur L. Schawlow, patented the “maser” comprised of microwaves amplified by the stimulated emission of radiation, years before the patent of the optical laser. Townes worked through his 99th year, receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1964, and the LIA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, for his contributions to laser technology and related fields.
In an effort to continue fostering laser safety, LIA’s Laser Safety Guide was updated in early 2015, for the first time since 2007. The new edition reflects changes made in the 2014 ANSI Z136.1. The guide serves as a quick read to help benefit anyone who uses lasers in the workplace, while also serving as a reference guide for those unfamiliar with the terminology and practices highlighted in the ANSI Z136 standards.
In March, LIA’s Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM®) Workshop was held in Orlando, FL for the first time in its seven-year history. The two day workshop focused on laser-based technologies in industrial applications, like 3D printing, cladding for wear and protection from corrosion. The event brought in over 200 attendees, half of which were first time attendees.
The International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC®) also took place in March, in Albuquerque, NM, bringing together over 200 laser professionals from all over the world. The conference focused on pressing issues in the laser industry, such as the unanticipated power of handheld lasers and the growing application of laser technology. ILSC hosted speakers from Sandia National Laboratories, University of Colorado, Metatech Corporation, Southwest Innovation Solutions and other laser industry entities. The use of handheld laser pointers to conduct laser strikes on-aircraft was among the concerns discussed by experts at the conference. Pointing lasers in the direction of the cockpit of an aircraft can cause dangerous distractions, and possible temporary blindness in pilots. Despite hefty consequences for offenders, nearly 4,000 incidents occur annually. Experts discussed potential solutions to the issue, such as better labeling for commercially sold lasers, and a focus on catching those responsible for the strikes, in the act.
October was a particularly important month for Laser Institute of America. The month kicked off with the long awaited pre-order of ANSI Z136.6 Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors standard. The standard was revised for 2015, for clarification and to “better reflect today’s outdoor laser operator’s needs.” (Lasers Today, October 2015) The newly revised standard is necessary for anyone intending to use lasers in open-air environments, guiding users to utilize safe practices when operating outdoor laser systems. Updates to the revised standard include metric unit standardization, a complete rewrite to the Control Measures section and a clarification of FAA coordination requirements.
The 34th International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro-Optics (ICALEO®), took place Oct. 18–22, in Atlanta, GA. The conference had over 400 attendees from 22 countries, with over 200 presentations, invited papers and posters focusing on laser research and development. ICALEO hosted presentations on laser materials processing, laser microprocessing, nanomanufacturing and the newest addition, biomedical applications. During the conference, LIA awarded Dr. Keming Du with the 2015 Schawlow Award. Dr. Du has over 70 patents or patent applications and over 100 publications over the course of his career. Dr. Du also developed diode and solid-state lasers from 1985 through 2001. He went on to create EdgeWave, which offers solutions in compact diode-pumped solid state lasers.
The conference also featured speakers who touched on aspects of small business, with laser technology in mind. Ron Schaeffer, CEO of PhotoMachining wrote on the conference, “For a conference that is primarily “academic,” this Business Forum is a very nice complement, as there are many small business owners/entrepreneurs and future small business owners/entrepreneurs in attendance.” (Industrial Laser Solutions, October 2015)
2016 is sure to be another exciting year for the laser industry. LIA will be there every step of the way providing standards for laser safety and education, throughout the industry. For information on laser safety training courses and materials, please visit www.lia.org.
