Ultrafast Laser Eyewear Protection: Measurements and Precautions

Abstract

Ultrafast laser systems are becoming more widespread throughout the research and industrial communities yet eye protection for these high power, bright pulsed sources still require scrupulous characterization and testing before use. Femtosecond lasers, with pulses naturally possessing broad-bandwidth and high average power with variable repetition rate, can exhibit spectral side- bands and subtly changing center wavelengths, which may unknowingly affect eyewear safety protection. Pulse spectral characterization and power diagnostics are presented for a 80 MHz, Ti+3:Sapphire, ca. 800 nm, ca. 40 femtosecond oscillator system. Power and spectral transmission for 22 test samples are measured to determine whether they fall within manufacturer specifications.