Laser Calculator
Calculate laser parameters
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Laser Calculator work?
Enter laser parameters such as wavelength, power, beam diameter, and divergence. The calculator computes beam spot size at distance, irradiance (power density), and safety classifications based on IEC 60825 standards.
How do I calculate laser beam spot size at a distance?
Spot size at distance d: w(d) = w₀ × √(1 + (d×λ/(π×w₀²))²), where w₀ is the beam waist radius and λ is wavelength. For a 1mm beam at 532nm, the spot grows to about 1.7mm at 10 meters.
What is laser irradiance and why does it matter?
Irradiance is power per unit area (W/cm²): E = P / (π × r²). A 5mW laser with a 1mm beam has irradiance of 637 W/cm², enough to cause eye damage. Irradiance determines the laser safety class.
What are the laser safety classifications?
Class 1: safe under all conditions. Class 2: safe for momentary exposure (visible lasers ≤1mW). Class 3R: low risk, ≤5mW. Class 3B: hazardous to eyes, ≤500mW. Class 4: hazardous to eyes and skin, burns materials.
How does wavelength affect laser applications?
UV lasers (200-400nm): lithography, sterilization. Visible (400-700nm): pointers, displays. Near-IR (700-1400nm): fiber optics, medical. Mid-IR (1.4-3μm): spectroscopy. CO₂ lasers (10.6μm): cutting and welding.