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I am a little surprised at your response to potential laser hazards. It seems
that the discussion has touched a sensitive point for you.
As a person with only one functional eye, I must say that I take far more risks
than appropriate by working in a development environment where laser beams flash
all over the place. Part of it is a belief in being exempt - "Whatever bad will
happen won't happen to me, and if it does, it will probably make a good story.",
such as your encounter with an exposed laser power supply. However, unfortunate
incidents do occur, and I would not be happy if a laser beam did me in ("DANG!
Do Not Look Into Laser With Remaining Eye!).
Regarding eye injuries, I realize that for most commercial instuments the
shielding is probably more than adaquate to prevent eye injuries from visible
lines from lasers. However, a very experienced optical engineer has descirbed to
me the possible problems from scattered light from UV lasers, which, while not
blinding, can cause discomfort very similar to the condition known as "snow
blindness". This problem is easily preventalbe by wearing plastic safty glasses.
Having experienced the equivalent of "snow blindness" while backpacking in areas
with highly reflective granitic rock, I do have some concern about this in my
work environment.
I am also curious as to what you meant by your reference to the "Federal
Government...exposing...users to dangerous laser radiation without informed
consent." Is this a reference to the recent publicity about the radiation
testing on human subjects conducted under the auspicis of the Governement from
the 40's though the 70's? If so, I am offended (even though I know you have a
good heart) because these incidents are a sickening reminder to me of the
experimentation on Jews and others during WWII.
Take care, and I look forward to the third edition of your book!
-Marty Bigos
Stanford Shared FACS Facility
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