Lasers Are Now Safe In US ???

[Kevin Todd]

Hi

Just been speaking to a local disco shop who is selling low cost lowish power (10mW - 100mW) lasers from china using FATBEAM technology.

He has linked me to a web page explaining this technology.

http://www.zioshow.com/view.php?id=6364&area=10

Is this the case in the US has this been passed by the authorities ??


Regards


Kevin :rolleyes:

[Kevin Todd]

Hi All

Looking at some of the specs. of these units they claim to be class 3R 10mW

My understanding is that the use a fatter beam in order to keep the emission level below 5mW, they claim a diameter of 10-14mm if this was so it still would be 10mW not 5mW max for a class 3R !!!!.


Below is some information from CHAUVET laser's web site.

Before buying laser fixtures, ask whether they comply with FDA performance standards, as is required by law. Ours do. We don't ship any CHAUVET laser until they are in compliance with FDA safety regulations pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50, dated July 26,2001 for CLASS 3R Laser products 5.0mW CW Diode 532 nm (green) or 635-650 nm (red) IEC/EN 60825-1, ed 1.2. This review process is costly and lengthy. Sadly, other companies choose to bypass it, in defiance of the law. Ask before you buy. You'll be glad you did.

I have seen some suppliers claim 30mw and even 100mW FATBEAM complient lasers.

Regards

Kevin

[Patrick Murphy]

I can't speak in detail about the FATBEAM lasers. However, the principle of enlarging the beam so as to reduce the amount of light entering the pupil is one that the U.S. FDA/CDRH has agreed with.

To do a legal show in the U.S., it does not depend on the power of the laser itself, or the power emitted in the entire beam. You can use Class IV lasers in laser shows ... IF you submit a variance (permission to deviate from the normal requirements for laser equipment and laser shows).

The variance must show how equivalent safety is achieved. Traditionally in the U.S. this has done by simply eliminating the beam from entering the audience. But with proper analysis, a variance can be achived using larger beams and/or other measures.

So, the FATBEAM may have a variance allowing 10mW (or higher) in total beam power, as long as the beam is enlarged so the pupil of the eye receives a legal amount of light.

This would be one explanation as to how this laser is legal for sale and use in the U.S.

[Lasergreg]

Todd,

One of the things about the US federal laser standard (21 CFR 1040) that is different from the ANSI and IEC standards is the concept of AEL (Accessible Exposure Limit). Basically, this is a measure of the light energy (or power) that can enter a 7 mm aperture (a fully dialated pupil).

What is being done with the fatbeam is to expand the beam where the amount of power in a 7 mm pupil is less than 5 mW, with the idea that you cannot receive an ocular exposure of greater than 5 mW as a result.

The basic idea has merit, although its application is more for club markets than any professional display.