Application of tot'hema eosin sensitized gelatin as a potential eye protection filter against direct laser radiation

The optical limiting properties of tot'hema and eosin sensitized gelatin layer (short TESG) under continuous second harmonic Nd:YAG laser light were investigated. In contrast to classical eye protection filters the microlens formation and carbonization in TESG are the main mechanisms for eye protection from direct laser radiation. Results have shown that safety goggles made on TESG can protect the eye from up to 10 W of incident laser power. Filters for other wavelengths can be manufactured by varying the sensitizer.