Medical lasers- can they damage xha1? at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XH Series HDV Camcorders
Register FAQ Today's Posts Buyer's Guides

Canon XH Series HDV Camcorders
Canon XH G1S / G1 (with SDI), Canon XH A1S / A1 (without SDI).

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old February 18th, 2010, 10:58 AM   #1
New Boot
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Pelham, AL
Posts: 6
Medical lasers- can they damage xha1?

Does anyone know if medical laser equipment can damage video cameras? And if so, what type or circumstance?

We have been shooting medical videos, mostly mock procedures, because we had a bad experience with a tattoo removal laser a few years ago (this was shot with a different camera). At the last shoot we did, we actually shot several laser procedures- some that used radiofrequency energies, and some that were solid-state lasers- the erbium yag laser for instance. I was very timid doing this but the staff insisted the lasers would not damage the camera, and they didn't. Does anyone know if there are certain types of lasers or other circumstances that can damage video cameras?
Whitney Richey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 18th, 2010, 01:45 PM   #2
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand
Posts: 3,689
Images: 18
Hi Whitney..............

The only time a medical laser could damage a video camera is under exactly the same circumstances it could damage an individuals eyes: either it is pointed directly into the lens or inadvertantly (or deliberately) reflected off a suitable surface ditto.

Staff handling these things wear goggles/ glasses designed to drastically cut any light of the appropriate wavelength(s) in the event it should "escape", tho' that is pretty unlikely.

There are so many interlocks and safety mechanisms built into these things nowadays (if they're working, of course) that the chance of an emitter firing whilst not adjacent to human tissue (which is an extremely poor reflector, hence why they work so well) is remote in the extreme.

If the camera operators are equipped with the necessary safety equipment and the procedures being videoed are "real" (ie, bods aren't just "larking about") then I can see very little chance of either operators or camera coming to grief.


CS

Last edited by Chris Soucy; February 18th, 2010 at 03:20 PM. Reason: Whoops.
Chris Soucy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 18th, 2010, 09:40 PM   #3
New Boot
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Pelham, AL
Posts: 6
That's kind of what I was thinking too. Thanks for your input
Whitney Richey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old February 26th, 2010, 02:09 AM   #4
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 49
Also depends on the kind of laser and the wavelength of the laser that is used. Short wavelength lasers like the excimer (193 nm, refractive laser surgery like PRK, Lasik etc) is no problem but larger wavelength lasers like argon or diode lasers (for diabetic retinopathy) are dangerous when they reflect on metal surgical instruments. Use an appropriate filter to protect the video-chip.

Best regards,

Robert Wijdh
Ophthalmologist
__________________
XH A1 / FCS2
Robert Wide is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 1st, 2010, 11:39 AM   #5
New Boot
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Pelham, AL
Posts: 6
Do you know what kind of filter to use?
Whitney Richey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 2nd, 2010, 01:47 PM   #6
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 49
That depends on the wavelength of the laser. The filter should be the same as the filter in the protection goggles of the medical personnel. The most risk is in the coagulating lasers (argon, krypton, dye, holmium and gallium arsenide). The photo disruptive lasers (Nd:YAG, Er:YAG and the femtosecond laser) and the ablative lasers (ArF) are usually (at least in ophthalmic use) not dangerous for bystanders.

Best regards,

Robert Wijdh
__________________
XH A1 / FCS2
Robert Wide is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XH Series HDV Camcorders


 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:09 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network