The remarkable properties of laser radiation resulted in many technical applications. It is used in production technology, for measurements, spectroscopy and holography. Laser-shows are very popular but compliance with protection measures is mandatory. Semiconductor lasers also known as laser diodes have important advantages. Therefore low power laser diodes are used in every day life, e.g. in laser pointers, laser printers, and CD/DVD players.
Biological and health effects of laser radiation are in principle similar to those of normal optical radiation, but the very high power density and the strong focussing of laser beams can result in special health risks. Effects depend strongly on wavelength, irradiance and exposure duration.
