Laser Safety Systems Installed at Imperial College London
Lasermet successfully delivered and installed a comprehensive laser safety system at the prestigious Imperial College London. The installation was part of the refurbishment of the Thermofluids Division of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, located at South Kensington. The project included a full range of laser safety equipment designed and manufactured to meet the rigorous safety standards required for high-powered laser use in advanced research environments.
Installed Laser Safety Equipment
Lasermet supplied and installed a wide array of laser safety products, including:
- Laser blocking curtains (motorised and manual)
- Complete laser enclosures
- Flatfoot laser blocking screens
- Encapsulated laser blocking roller blinds
Each product was tailored to the specific requirements of the refurbished facility, ensuring optimal protection for staff and equipment.
Flatfoot Laser Blocking Screens
The flatfoot screens installed are constructed using certified laser-blocking material designed to withstand high-powered laser beams. These screens stand independently using wide base feet, providing stability without the need for structural support. Their modular nature allows for easy repositioning within the laboratory to accommodate varying equipment setups, such as engines and laser monitoring devices.
Complete Laser Enclosures
Two large laser enclosures were installed, each designed to enable the safe use of Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Given the potential hazard posed by these lasers over long distances, robust containment is essential. The enclosures were built to ensure that no laser radiation escapes the laboratory or affects nearby structures.
Versatile Enclosure Configurations
One of the enclosures features three walls made from laser-blocking panels, with the fourth wall being an existing structural element. Inside, the space is divided into six separate rooms using 2-meter-high flatfoot screens. These individual sections enable simultaneous laser operations without cross-contamination between workspaces.
The second enclosure features a flexible internal layout using laser-blocking curtains. These curtains allow the space to be divided into four quarters. When drawn to the center and zipped together, the curtains form enclosed individual rooms. Alternatively, drawing all curtains back creates one large unified space. This flexibility supports multiple research configurations.
Laser Blocking Curtains
Ordinary curtains or screens do not provide adequate protection against laser beams. Lasermet provided purpose-designed laser blocking curtains constructed from their proprietary material. These curtains serve both as blackout and laser-blocking solutions. The material is white on one side and black on the other; both sides block laser radiation, but the white side offers enhanced protection for high-powered lasers.
Imperial College London selected both motorised and manual versions of these curtains. Motorised options offer convenient reconfiguration of the workspace at the push of a button, while manual curtains offer a cost-effective, flexible alternative.
Encapsulated Laser Blocking Roller Blinds
To complete the installation, encapsulated roller blinds were added to cover smaller windows and door openings. These blinds, available in both motorised and manual formats, use the same certified laser-blocking material as the curtains. The encapsulated system is housed within an aluminium frame that seals all sides of the blind, ensuring complete containment of laser radiation and eliminating light leakage. This also provides a clean, professional appearance throughout the lab.
Support for Laser-Based Research
The new laser safety equipment enables researchers at Imperial College to conduct advanced studies into combustion processes. The research, which involves monitoring flame propagation and internal combustion behavior using lasers, contributes to the development of cleaner, more efficient engines and reduced emissions. These efforts are conducted in partnership with major engine manufacturers and align with broader environmental sustainability goals.
About the Department
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London is one of the UK’s leading engineering departments. It focuses on advancing thermofluid science and technology through cutting-edge research and education. The department’s mission includes the technical development of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, with an emphasis on sustainable energy generation and use.
Conclusion
The successful installation of Lasermet’s laser safety systems at Imperial College London showcases the company’s expertise in delivering tailored, high-quality safety solutions for advanced research facilities. By combining modular flexibility with certified laser protection, Lasermet has enabled a safe and adaptable working environment for researchers conducting high-powered laser experiments. This project reinforces Lasermet’s position as a trusted partner in laser safety across academic, industrial, and medical sectors.
