ABSTRACT: Laser Material Interaction Safety Consideration
Lasers are widely used, from at-home laser facial tools to industrial laser machines and many more growing applications. However, it is important to note that many laser users are participants of research experiments involving lasers. With recent specific breakthroughs and outcomes, has laser safety been fully accounted for? Beam hazards receive the primary attention, but less apparent non-beam hazards are often overlooked. In many laser material interaction experiments, laser damages are anticipated. Laser generated air contaminants (from laser-induced damage) are an important consideration in laser safety protocols. Contaminant species can range from mere nuisance to serious hazards, depending on the target materials. Without understanding the properties of the byproducts, one cannot mitigate risks and safely protect the workers.
This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.
This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.
BIOS: Priscilla Yung and Anni Mai
Priscilla Yung and Anni Mai are Certified Industrial Hygienists and Safety Professionals supporting the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science directorate at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
While they manage a broad range of traditional industrial hygiene hazards, they have dedicated much of their work to understanding and communicating the complex world of laser non-beam hazards. Supporting the world’s most energetic laser system provides them with a unique perspective on the "insidious" risks that occur when light meets matter, risks that often go unnoticed until it is too late.
Beyond the 192-laser facility at NIF, they support a wide array of diverse laser systems, focusing on the chemical, physical, and particulate hazards generated during operations. Recognizing a vital opportunity to increase user awareness, they are here today to share critical safety considerations for laser-material interactions and provide essential lessons learned from the front lines of photon science.
While they manage a broad range of traditional industrial hygiene hazards, they have dedicated much of their work to understanding and communicating the complex world of laser non-beam hazards. Supporting the world’s most energetic laser system provides them with a unique perspective on the "insidious" risks that occur when light meets matter, risks that often go unnoticed until it is too late.
Beyond the 192-laser facility at NIF, they support a wide array of diverse laser systems, focusing on the chemical, physical, and particulate hazards generated during operations. Recognizing a vital opportunity to increase user awareness, they are here today to share critical safety considerations for laser-material interactions and provide essential lessons learned from the front lines of photon science.
