Investigation on continuously scanning laser systems classified 3R under the IEC 60825-1 edition 3.0 in consumer products

Abstract

The laser technology has been for a long time confined to professional uses but is more and more integrated into consumer products and complex systems. In this regard, the particular case of 3R products has re-opened controversial and unconcluded discussions among experts concerning the safety requirements. In parallel, the European standardization organization CENELEC is about to give its conclusion to the European Commission on acceptable laser products for consumers. The task is quite complex, especially with respect to the modifications introduced in the calculation of the Admissible Emission Limits (AEL) in the 3rd edition of the laser norm IEC 60825-1. The classification of laser systems, based on the worst-case assumption, is not well reflecting the risk of the user exposition. Because of the moving beam condition it is unlikely for scanning systems to meet all worst-case conditions of multiple and independent parameters at the same time. Apart from this, some particular parameters concerning extended sources and pulsed sources classified 3R under the 3rd edition of the IEC 60825-1 are seen critical as the AEL can in some cases exceed known injury threshold values. We define in this paper the concept of a Continuously Scanning Laser System (CSLS) and analyze under these conditions the behavior of the AEL for these critical parameters. We finally conclude that CSLS products classified 3R belong to the low risk 3R group.The laser technology has been for a long time confined to professional uses but is more and more integrated into consumer products and complex systems. In this regard, the particular case of 3R products has re-opened controversial and unconcluded discussions among experts concerning the safety requirements. In parallel, the European standardization organization CENELEC is about to give its conclusion to the European Commission on acceptable laser products for consumers. The task is quite complex, especially with respect to the modifications introduced in the calculation of the Admissible Emission Limits (AEL) in the 3rd edition of the laser norm IEC 60825-1. The classification of laser systems, based on the worst-case assumption, is not well reflecting the risk of the user exposition. Because of the moving beam condition it is unlikely for scanning systems to meet all worst-case conditions of multiple and independent parameters at the same time. Apart from this, some particular parameters concerning exten...