How to Choose Laser Protective Glass?

Laser protective glass is an essential safety component in industrial processing, scientific research, medical laser systems, and laboratory environments. Choosing the right protective glass ensures operators are protected from harmful laser radiation, including direct beams, reflected beams, and diffuse reflections. In this article, we will explain in detail how to choose laser protective glass.

1. Understand Your Laser Type and Wavelength

The most important factor when choosing laser protective glass is the laser wavelength.

Different lasers operate at different wavelengths, such as:

532 nm (Green Laser)

808–980 nm (Near-Infrared Diode Laser)

1064 nm (Fiber Laser, Nd:YAG Laser)

10,600 nm (CO₂ Laser)

355 nm / 266 nm (Ultraviolet Laser)

Laser protective glass must be matched to the specific wavelength actually being used. If the wavelength does not match, even with high optical density or thickness, the glass will not block the laser.

2. Check the Optical Density (OD) Rating

The protective capability of laser glass is measured by its optical density (OD).

OD3 indicates a laser attenuation of 1,000 times.

OD5 = 100,000 times attenuation.

OD7 = 10,000,000 times attenuation.

For high-power lasers, a higher optical density rating is required.

The following method for selecting laser power and OD value is for reference:

For laser power in the 10-100W range, consider protective products with an OD of 4-5.

For laser power in the 800-1500W range, consider protective products with an OD of 7+.

For laser power above 1500W, it is recommended to choose protective products with an OD of 7 or higher.

Be sure to choose an optical density rating that matches the actual laser power and application scenario.

3. Seeking International Safety Certifications

Reliable laser protective glass should meet the following safety standards:

EN 207 / EN 208 (Europe)

ANSI Z136.1 (USA)

GB 30863 (China)

4. Assessing Visible Light Transmittance (VLT)

High-quality laser protective glass should possess:

Clear field of view

Minimum chromatic aberration

Comfortable working brightness

If VLT is too low, operators may experience eye fatigue and unclear vision.

If VLT is too high and OD is too low, the protective effect will be insufficient.

Strive for a balance between visibility and protection.

Conclusion

Choosing the right laser protective glass requires understanding your laser system and selecting a protective material that matches its wavelength, power, and working environment.

The correct approach is:

Determine the wavelength → Select proper OD → Check certifications

Using suitable laser protective glass can significantly reduce laser hazards and ensure a safe working environment for operators.