Lasermet Completes Installation of a Laser Safety Interlock at NASA Langley Research Center
Lasermet has successfully completed the installation of a laser safety interlock and monitoring system for the NASA Langley Research Center. The project involved the design and integration of a comprehensive laser safety system across multiple laboratories used for space technology, advanced research and development, and aviation advancement.
The project required a coordinated safety solution capable of managing multiple interconnected laboratory spaces while maintaining operational flexibility and personnel protection. Due to vertically connected laboratory areas and multiple different possible laser configurations, the system required advanced interlock logic and continuous monitoring to ensure safe operation across all zones.
Lasermet Install Engineers wiring the Safety Logic Plus
Installing the CaLM system with the Safety Logic Plus
ICS-9 Interlock System
Installation Set-up
The installation was carried out across two operational zones: the Lower Rooftop Lab and the Upper Rooftop Lab. Both laboratories were integrated into a unified laser-controlled environment equipped with interlocked access doors, emergency stop systems, override controls, warning indicators, and continuous monitoring through Lasermet’s CaLM System.
The Lower Rooftop Lab serves as the primary operational area and includes three horizontal ports and three vertical ports. Each port was fitted with interlock switches, selector controls, and warning indicators to provide clear operational status. Additional components included emergency stop pushbuttons, interlocked power sockets, the ICS-9 Interlock Safety Controller, and a touchscreen CaLM System interface for real-time monitoring and system control.
The Upper Rooftop Lab contains three laser hatches aligned directly above the vertical ports of the lower laboratory, creating interconnected operational zones between both levels. Safety measures in the upper area included emergency stop devices, warning systems, and integrated interlock logic to maintain personnel protection during operation.
Interconnected Safety System
With both laboratories interconnected, the system requires advanced safety logic to ensure that hazardous conditions in one area would not compromise safety in another. The ICS-9 Controller, Safety Logic Plus System, CaLM System, and associated safety components work together to maintain safe operation across all laboratories.
Before the laser can be armed, all entry doors must be closed and all emergency stop devices must be in a safe state. Once armed, the warning signs outside the laboratories display a red “Danger Laser On” message.
“Danger Laser On” warning sign
“Interlock Overriden” warning sign
“No Hazard Laser Off” sign
Operators select the required horizontal or vertical port before operation. When a port is selected, the system automatically returns to ‘Safe Mode’ and must be re-armed before laser operation can continue.
All system functions, including arming and disarming status, are monitored through the CaLM System interface located outside the laboratories.
In addition, a timed override function allows authorised personnel to enter or exit without disarming the system. Access is controlled through a keypad entry system to prevent unauthorised access.
The Lasermet Solution
Lasermet’s solution combined multiple ICS-9 interlock controllers with the Safety Logic Plus (SLP) and the CaLM System to create a coordinated multi-laboratory safety network with centralised monitoring and control. The upper and lower laboratories were interconnected through vertical ports as to maintain personnel safety and ensure the system remains in a safe operational state, Lasermet implemented a coordinated safety architecture.
ICS-9 Interlock Safety Controller
The ICS-9 interlock controller is responsible for processing and evaluating interlock statuses. Each ICS-9 controller supervises local safety devices such as door interlock switches, emergency stop button, laser beam shutters, warning signs, magnetic door locks.
The ICS-9 will only be armed once the conditions below are met.
- The controller is turned on and key switch is enabled.
- The door entrance(s) are closed.
- The emergency stop is disengaged.
Safety Logic Plus System (SLP)
Due to the multiple laboratory set-up, several logic processing is needed. The SLP acted as the higher-level safety logic processor, exchanging signals between laboratories and determining whether individual labs, shared beam paths, or connected zones can operate simultaneously.
This configuration allows multiple interlocked laboratories to function safely as one integrated system.
Control and Laser Monitoring System (CaLM)
A touchscreen monitor is included in the installation to provide centralised monitoring, visualisation, and remote control of the laser safety system through a user-friendly interface.
The CaLM System are responsible for the following:
- System Status Display
- Logic Tree Visualisation
- Laser Wavelength
- Remote arming and disarming of interlock controller
Another Project Success
Lasermet successfully delivered and commissioned the project in April 2026 at the NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia, USA. With extensive experience in laser safety and hundreds of installations completed worldwide, Lasermet continues to support leading research institutions with advanced safety solutions that enable innovation while maintaining the highest standards of personnel protection.
Lasermet’s interlock control systems are widely recognised for their reliability, flexibility, and high level of operational safety in laser-controlled environments. The integration of the ICS-9, SLP, and CaLM platforms provides coordinated control, real-time monitoring, and a user-friendly visual interface displaying laboratory layouts, interlock status, safety devices, and system logic across multiple laboratories.
