The decade of the 90’s presents to the Laser Safety Community, a new challenge for protective eyewear. Laser systems operating in the 2 to 3 micron wavelength region are emerging in increasing numbers. Specifically, these are: Tm:YAG (2.01 μm), Ho:YAG (2.1 μm), and Er:YAG (2.94 μm).

These wavelengths are not considered to be “retinal” hazards. However, corneal burns can be quite massive due to the high peak powers generated by these lasers in the Q-switch pulse mode. The penetration depth is typically 10 to 20 microns with both Tm:YAG and Ho:YAG and about 3 to 5 microns with the Er:YAG.

In this paper I will present the characteristics of the commercially available eyewear filters for this wavelength region.

Topics
Lasers
1.
Madhu
A. Acharekar
,
Solid State Lasers for Medical Use
.
Schwartz Electro-Optics
,
Orlando, FI
,
1990
.
Google Scholar
 
2.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist, Inc
.
A Guide of Laser Hazards
Figure 1b, page
3
, Fourth Edition,
1990
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© 1993 Laser Institute of America.
1993
Laser Institute of America
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