In this lab you will be using a laser.
A laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) produces an intense beam of light which is highly directional. This property makes lasers a very powerful tool. They are used in surveying to define a straight line and measure distance, in presentations to point to small objects, in stores to read bar codes and in surgery to cut tissue without excess bleeding.
Lasers are also dangerous because they can cause blindness if they are shined into the eye. It is very important to follow safe laser practices while in the laboratory.
Safe laser laboratory practices include the following:
a) Turn off the laser when it is not in use
c) Do not point the laser at another person