Laser Pointer

[Jon Stratis]

I've done a little research on the subject, but am not by any means an expert. The classification system relates to device safety, not visibility or color (although I believe those are often a factor in safety). Generally speaking, class 1 lasers are either non-visible OR higher class lasers that are completely contained, such as in a DVD drive. The key there is that the laser in the DVD drive poses no risk, as it's never exposed during normal operation.

As an LRI, I know that I personally do not know enough to judge what class a laser is based on strength and wavelength (those seem to be the two main factors, outside of enclosures). So, I must rely on data sheets - give me a data sheet that says it's class 1, and your good to go. Fail to find such a data sheet, and you have to remove it from the robot.

So please, whatever you find and put on the robot... Bring the data sheet with you!