The emitted laser pointer is dangerous because some lasers produce invisible infrared beams that can harm the researcher or cause a fire. The University of Glasgow's laser room uses the FLIR i7 thermal imaging camera to ensure its own safety when using terahertz laser research equipment.
Yong Ma, research assistant at the Microsystems Technology Research Group at the University of Glasgow School of Engineering, explained: “The laser pointer system in our laboratory produces invisible high-intensity infrared laser radiation. These invisible beams may be dangerous to researchers, which may not I need to explain. We wear goggles to prevent eye damage; but if the invisible beam comes into contact with our clothes or skin, it can cause serious personal injury. Therefore, we need safety equipment to determine these invisible beams. The FLIR thermal imaging camera is used at the time."
Ma explained: “Every time I use a terahertz laser research device, I always use the FLIR i7 thermal imaging camera to scan the entire area to detect if the infrared laser beam is in the wrong direction to ensure safety. But this is not me. The only application environment using the FLIR i7 thermal imaging camera. I also use it to monitor the over-temperature conditions of electrical equipment, gas valves, gas pipes and gas cylinders.” M a continues: “Invisible terahertz laser beam is divided into two steps. The first step is the CO2 mid-infrared laser system, which produces a 50 watt infrared laser beam at a wavelength of 10.6 microns. This conventional infrared laser beam is converted to a terahertz laser beam by a pressurized methanol channel. The resulting terahertz laser has a 150 milliwatt intensity and a 119 micron wavelength."
The resulting terahertz infrared laser beam is considered to be a four-stage laser that meets safety regulations, requiring laboratory operators to wear safety goggles. Therefore, visualizing the invisible laser pointer is critical to ensuring the security of the device. Ma said: “To this end, we use the FLIR i7 thermal imaging camera because this infrared camera is cost-effective. Its micro-thermal detector is not designed to detect infrared radiation at terahertz wavelengths. terahertz lasers produce infrared The beam has a wavelength of 119 microns, while the FLIR i7 thermal imaging camera has a wavelength range of 7.5-13 microns."
Ma continued: “This means that the FLIR i7 thermal imaging camera does not directly detect the beam. However, if the infrared beam produced by the terahertz laser contacts the object or surface, it will heat up. Use the FLIR i7 infrared thermal image. This is a very easy way to detect this temperature rise. I use this principle to ensure that no stray infrared beams are leaking from the device."