Laser Institute of America

LIA Corporate Member Laserline Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high-power diode lasers up to 12 kW. The products are used in a wide range of industrial applications such as cladding, heat treatment, brazing and welding, and as solid-state and fiber laser pump sources. (more…)

Spectra-Physics^®, a Newport Corporation Brand, announces a new addition to its Tristar^™ family of Q-switched diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) industrial lasers. The high-repetition-rate Tristar 355-2 is ideal for high throughput LED scribing  and provides over 2 W of 355 nm output at 90 kHz and a short pulse width of less than 25 ns. (more…)

Coherent, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA) (Nasdaq: COHR) has expanded their Sapphire™ family of compact CW visible lasers with the first 514 nm (green) offering based on the company’s unique OPSL technology.  With a choice of four different output powers ranging from 20 to 100 milliwatts, these cost-effective Sapphire 514 LP lasers provide a compact (125 mm x 70 mm x 34 mm) and extremely reliable all-solid state alternative to legacy ion technology at this important green wavelength.  All models deliver a diffraction-limited TEM₀₀ (M²<1.1) output beam, low amplitude noise (< 0.25% rms) and superior pointing stability (< 30 µrad for +/-3⁰C). (more…)

Newport Corporation, a worldwide leader in laser and photonic solutions that Make, Manage and Measure Light^®, introduces the S-2000AN Stabilizer Non-Magnetic Vibration Isolator. The newest addition to the S-2000 Stabilizer^™ family is designed specifically for applications where the measurement of small magnetic fields would be otherwise impacted by traditional magnetic steel isolators.  The S-2000AN provides a 1Hz vertical resonant frequency and a vertical isolation efficiency of 98 percent at 10Hz and a load capacity of 2000lb, the best in the industry.  It is an ideal solution for isolating optical tables, such as Newport’s RPR-N Series tables or platforms that support large vacuum chambers or other heavy instruments used in materials research applications.  Newport is also the only supplier that has quantified the magnetic impact of the S-2000 Stabilizer family of isolators which allows customers to understand their required level of performance and potentially save thousands of dollars in equipment costs. (more…)

The Value of Certification

Getting Certified in a Down Economy: Could it Create an Upturn in Your Career?

We hear it every day. In the news we see reports of more layoffs, increasing unemployment rates and other worrisome economic turmoil. Often, in difficult economic times, professionals return to school to finish college or acquire a higher degree. Some even decide to change careers. However, for those who wish to continue to excel in their chosen profession despite a tough economy, becoming certified is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate a higher level of expertise to current and prospective employers.

For professionals working around lasers, becoming certified by the Board of Laser Safety (BLS) is one of the highest credentials a laser safety officer (LSO) can earn. BLS certification demonstrates that individuals in the laser safety field have agreed to adhere to higher standards of safety and professional practice. The BLS offers two certifications: the Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) and the Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO).

Why should you become certified right now in a down economy?

Improve Competitive Advantage

Working in laser safety can be highly competitive, and becoming certified can help you stand out from other job candidates. At the same time, becoming certified adds a higher level of credibility to your “on-the-job” experience. The combination of laser safety experience and certification demonstrates to current and potential employers that you are accomplished and qualified in the field.

“BLS certification demonstrates to the public, colleagues and employers one’s qualifications and proficiencies,” stated Barbara Sams, Executive Director, Board of Laser Safety. “It identifies the individual as an LSO who has achieved a specific level of knowledge and expertise, and possesses a higher level of commitment to the industry.  It enhances the LSO’s credibility as the authoritative individual responsible for the facility’s laser safety program.”

Increase Job Security

Laser safety is a necessary function for many organizations, even in a down economy. As a result, becoming certified may enhance job security. If companies are considering cutting back on staff, managers may be more likely to retain certified professionals who have a specialized skill such as laser safety.

Enhance Opportunity for Advancement and Earnings

While the primary goal in our current economy is to stay employed, it is important to plan for the future, looking toward potential career advancement opportunities and increased earnings. By taking the time now to become certified, you will be ready for better opportunities that arise as the economy improves.  Additionally, becoming certified gives you the opportunity to connect with other laser professionals. In a down economy, networking is more important than ever.

Comply with OSHA’s Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires employers to provide a working environment free of recognized hazards and to comply with OSHA’s regulations—regardless of the current economic conditions. This certainly pertains to laser safety because Class 3B and Class 4 lasers pose a recognized hazard.  By passing the CLSO/CMLSO exam, a person is officially recognized as having a thorough understanding of laser safety concepts, practices, and state and federal regulations.

When an organization has a CLSO/CMLSO on staff, it demonstrates to OSHA that the company has high standards in place with regard to its laser safety program. Again, this is just another example of how becoming a CLSO or CMLSO may provide a higher level of job security, even in a down economy.

Becoming a CMLSO May Improve the Health of Your Career

Although the medical field has not been impacted as severely by the economy as some other industries, many health care facilities are tightening their budgets and evaluating key staff members. Becoming a Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer may help you secure that spot as a key staff member. After all, ANSI Z136.3-2005 Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities states that a “health care facility shall establish and maintain an adequate safety program for the control of laser hazards.” It assigns the authority and responsibility for the supervision of evaluation and control of laser hazards to a laser safety officer.

In addition to enhancing overall job security, the MLSO certification process has many intrinsic rewards for the medical professional. As the medical industry continues to grow at a fast pace, becoming certified will enable you to keep your knowledge of laser safety up to date and increase both competency and confidence when administering a laser safety program. Patient safety is paramount and as a CMLSO, you will be recognized for upholding the highest standard of laser safety.

Certification is Quick and Cost Effective

When compared to going back to college or obtaining a higher degree, becoming certified is much faster and cost-effective. The examination process to become a CLSO or CMLSO is relatively short, and enables you to quickly receive a recognizable and respected credential that is indicative of upholding a higher standard of laser safety.

“For the LSO, it is a personal accomplishment that demonstrates pride in our profession and augments the individual’s professional reputation,” said Sams.  “It supports the desire for continued professional development, and increases opportunities for career advancement and/or increased earnings. There has never been a better time to become certified.”

For more information about the Board of Laser Safety’s certification exams, and to find out if you qualify, visit www.lasersafety.org.

The organizers of LaserFest, the celebration in 2010 to mark the 50th anniversary of the development of the first laser, announced that the Laser Institute of America (LIA) will be participating as a partner in the initiative. LaserFest partners are organizations, including universities, research institutions, museums and corporations that help promote the 50th anniversary of the laser through self-hosted programs and initiatives. (more…)

LIA Northern California Chapter Meeting
April 21, 2010, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Bella Mia Restaurant, San Jose, CA

“Climate Change for Technologists”
Presented by: Dr. Ken Caldeira, Stanford, with introduction from Dr. Henry Hieslmair

The next meeting of the Northern California Regional Chapter of the Laser Institute of America will be held on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 at the Bella Mia Restaurant, San Jose, CA and will feature Ken Caldeira from Stanford University as our invited speaker, discussing “Climate Change for Technologists.” (more…)

May 11-12, 2010 – Houston, TX, USA

Profitable Laser Solutions for Today’s Manufacturing Challenges!

LIA’s 2nd Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop will bring industry specialists, executives, users and researchers from around the world to show how cladding and rapid manufacturing can be applied effectively and affordably to today’s manufacturing challenges. This workshop will have a significant impact on the widespread industrial implementations of laser additive manufacturing. (more…)