Product Code: JLA_14_4_252

Authors:
Wesley J. Marshall
U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5403

Although hazard classification is performed at predefined distances, the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) for extended-source diode lasers decreases as the distance from the laser increases. The MPE depends on the apparent angular subtense of the source, which is simply the magnified image of the emitting diode. Small diameter beams require special consideration.