News
Update - LaserBee Version 5 released
LaserBee Version 5 has been completely rewritten in Java so that it
can now be run on any platform supporting the Java runtime environment
- Windows, Mac, Linux etc.
It represents a significant advance in capabilities whilst still retaining
its much-appreciated ease of use.
Click here to
request a demonstration copy of LaserBee.
Main Enhancements of LaserBee 5
- The new graphical interface keeps your laser parameters clearly in
view while you navigate between your different tasks using the intuitive
tabbed-pane interface.
- On-line help is now incorporated at three different levels:
- the familiar 'honeycomb' from the previous versions gives the
backround information required for a good understanding of laser
safety issues;
- the main laser safety tabs have a task-specific help panel explaining
how to perform the task in hand; and
- input boxes, radio buttons etc. have 'tool tips' giving specific
help for that component.
- A one-click report generator produces on-screen printable reports which
can be saved and loaded into a word processing program if required.
- An easy-to-use laser database facility replaces the 'active record'
concept from earlier version of LaserBee. This uses a comma separated
values format (.csv) file which is compatible with most database programs
such as Access or Excel etc..
- Access to calculation parameters has been improved by adding 'explanation'
panels which give specific details of calculations with parameters such
as CF5, T1 etc. clearly listed for comparison with the standard documentation.
- A required optical density calculation is now included in the eyewear
routines.
- The type of divergence calculation, linear or Gaussian Beam, can now
be selected by the user.
- More tools have been included including Gaussian Beam calculations,
mW to dBm interconversions etc.
- User preferences allow the user to select the default angular units,
default divergence calculation type, etc.
Of course, LaserBee 5 incorporates all of the latest developments in
the IEC 60825-1 and the BS EN 60825-1:2007 standards.
Why should I buy LaserBee?
LaserBee
has been purchased by many prestigious laser laboratories and high-technology
clients, and is fast becoming the market leader in laser safety calculation
software. Its interface is friendly and approachable to new users and experts
alike.
LaserBee has established an envable track record as being a laser safety
software package that is not only use friendly, but can also be relied
upon. Extensive testing throughout its development and careful attention
to detail have resulted in a reputation for reliability that we believe
is second-to-none. Where standards are unclear or lacking, experts have
been consulted and LaserBee clearly states its interpretation and approach.
What makes LaserBee so good?
Many
factors, but chief amongst them must be the graphical user interface that
is intuitive to use, and the illustrations and graphs that help to explain,
and guide the user through, the laser safety process.
Laser safety experts like LaserBee because it can be asked to 'explain'
its calculations. Explanations are given with reference to standards documentation
saying what has been done and why. Values of calculation parameters such
as C6, T1 etc. are shown so that the laser safety expert who has previously
done a calculation by hand can see where he has gone wrong when things
don't agree.
Input data and calculated laser safety results are clearly distinguished,
and warnings and advice are given as appropriate.
Keeping the best of the old
We
hope that we have retained the best of the earlier versions of LaserBee.
This is illustrated by the 'Laser Product Classifier' feature that was
developed for LaserBee Pro. This allows the user to adjust beam divergence
and laser power or pulse energy by way of slide controls, and see graphically,
in real-time, how the adjustment affects the product classification. The
possible classes and boundaries between tham are changed in real-time too,
so that user can see exactly what combination of parameters will achieve
a desired classification.
This feature proved popular with others not involved with the development
of laser products, as it is helpful in explaining the classification system.
It is also a very useful feature for training and one we now use onour
own laser safety training courses.
Like to try a demonstration copy of LaserBee ?
Click here to
request a demonstration copy of LaserBee.
European distribution?
Laser
Physics (UK) Ltd. are setting-up a European distribution chain for
LaserBee. If you are interested in selling or representing LaserBee please
contact Laser Physics (UK) Ltd, who will be interested in hearing which
regions of the world you operate in. LaserBee is a world-class product
with a modern, innovative interface. We are very proud of LaserBee and
are looking for enthusiastic sales people to help us, and Laser Physics,
to reach a wider market with this exciting software product.
Applicable Standards
LaserBee is based on the IEC 60825 series of standards. In Europe the
equivalent European versions of these international standards are known
as EN 60825, with the British versions, for example, coming under the BS
EN 60825 banner. More on laser safety standards...
The above standards are the International standards used by the majority
of countries except for the USA. We regret that we do not yet have a US
version of LaserBee, but we can supply LaserBee in the USA for companies
exporting to Europe or other countries outside the USA. There is now a
US directive that enables some lasers imported into the USA to be classified
and labelled according to the international (IEC 60825) laser safety standard. Information
on the US requirements for laser classification and labelling can be found
under the CDRH FDA laser notice 50 document which details conformance with
IEC 60825 and can be down loaded from http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/comp/guidance/1346.pdf .