MIRcat OPERATION
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D11-00028-02-A
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3. Laser Emission Warning Indicators
Figure 3. Position of laser emission warning indicator (white LED)
on MIRcat laser heads.
CAUTION:
Laser emission may be present whenever the laser emission warning indicator light is
on (white LED is lit). This includes cases where the laser may be operating in ‘External Pulse’
mode, but the user has disconnected the ‘External Pulse’ trigger signal from the laser. Always
observe all laser safety precautions and procedures and assume laser emission is present
whenever the emission warning indicator is lit.
A white-light LED emission warning indicator on MIRcat laser heads flashes for 3-5 seconds whenever the
laser is first Armed and readied for laser emission. The laser is Armed and ready for mid-infrared laser
emission when the white light on the top of the unit is lit, and the button on the right side of the Control
Panel GUI next to “Disarm Laser” or “Stop Scan” has a green light. For those units fitted with an optional
visible laser aiming beam, the white-light emission warning indicator turns on immediately, as soon as the
v beam is activated via the GUI. (Unlike the mid-infrared output, there is no 3-5s warning delay before the
visible aiming beam output is activated). There is also an optional acoustic beeping sound that can be
selected to warn users of mid-infrared laser emission.
4. Eye Protection
The laser radiation emitted from this unit is invisible to the naked eye and may be harmful if the beam
makes direct and prolonged contact with the eye. In some units, depending on options selected at time of
order, the laser may also emit visible laser radiation. The user must review this safety label and/or the final
test data sheet included with your system to determine laser safety glasses that will provide suitable
protection for the range of wavelengths and output power emitted. As general guidelines, however: a)
recommended Optical Density (OD) for safety glasses is at least 5 for wavelengths in the range 3
µ
m to
14
µ
m; b) provided direct or prolonged viewing of the visible aiming beam (if included in your system) is
avoided, safety glasses that protect against this visible wavelength should not be necessary. Regardless of
general guidelines given here, users should consult with laser protective eyewear vendors for help
selecting laser safety glasses, and to confirm that selected eyewear will provide sufficient eye protection.
Emission warning
light. Indicates laser
emission when lit
