FM 8-50: Prevention and Medical Management of Laser Injuries

FM 8-50 Prevention and Medical Management of Laser Injuries

FM 8-50

Prevention and Medical Management of Laser Injuries

Army · FM · Aug 1990 · 27 pages

About

1. Introduction a. The word "laser" is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." In common usage, a laser is a device that produces an intense, narrow beam of light. Normally each laser can only produce a single frequency or color of radiation. However, there are many different types of lasers. Some produce light which is in the visible portion of the radiation spectrum and, therefore, can be seen. Others produce radiation which is outside of the visible spectrum (either infrared or ultraviolet) and is, therefore, invisible. Appendix A depicts the wavelength of common lasers. Some laser devices produce radiation with sufficient energy to severely injure or burn the eyes or skin of personnel who are down range. The use of laser devices, such as rangefinders and target designators may result in accidental injury to the eye.

DesignationFM 8-50

EditionAug 1990

StatusSuperseded

Pages27

FunctionMedical TCCC

CollectionRecent Archive

Editions 4

References 5

FM 8-230Not in the Vault