Development of safe infrared gas lasers

Infrared gas lasers find application in numerous civil and military areas. Such lasers are therefore being developed at different institutions around the world. However, the development of chemical infrared gas lasers such as chemical oxygen iodine lasers (COIL) involves the use of several hazardous chemicals. In order to exploit full potential of these lasers, one must take diligent care of the safety issues associated with the handling of these chemicals and the involved processes. The present paper discusses the safety aspects to be taken into account in the development of these infrared gas lasers including various detection sensors working in conjunction with a customized data acquisition system loaded with safety interlocks for safe operation. The developed safety schemes may also be implemented for CO2 gas dynamic laser (GDL) and hydrogen fluoride–deuterium fluoride (HF–DF) Laser.

► This paper discusses the safety aspects and detection schemes for infrared gas lasers.
► Safety schemes for infrared gas lasers in general and COIL in particular have been implemented.
► For COIL system, chlorine, iodine and BHP and others safety have been implemented.
► An emergency situation has been deliberately created to test the developed system.
► The safety aspect of HF–DF and CO2 GDL and their possible detection units have been discussed.