Computational methods for laser safety analysis

Laser hazard evaluation involves comparing potential laser exposure to maximum permissible exposure (MPE). Irradiance and radiant exposure of a laser beam can be determined from knowledge of the emitted power, energy per pulse, beam dimensions, and beam profile; however, irradiance and radiant exposure are averaged over the limiting aperture when comparing these values to the MPE. Hazard classification is determined by the power or energy per pulse transmitted by apertures for both unaided and optically aided viewing conditions. Methods are provided for precise calculation of the laser emission transmitted by apertures for laser beams with a variety of shapes, dimensions, and profiles. These methods also provide consistency in calculating average irradiance or radiant exposure, which should prove valuable, in addition to measurements, for hazard evaluation and classification.