Question 1

Is LASER CAMP safe?

Accepted Answer

The first and primary instruction of LASER CAMP is laser safety.  
 
The hands-on lasers used by the students in LASER CAMP are all .5mW and are considered safe.
 
LASER CAMP uses a high-powered Class IV laser which requires an official variance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and laser safety training. Audio Visual Imagineering, Inc. (AVI), the producer of LASER CAMP, works with the FDA on your behalf to provide an approved variance for your institution.

AVI has worked with the FDA for over 45 years and has maintained an unblemished laser safety record. This is a result of our strict adherence to FDA laser safety standards for ourselves and our customers.

You can read more about laser safety at the International Laser Display Association Laser Safety Website here.

Question 2

What training do I need?

Accepted Answer

LASER CAMP comes with a comprehensive training manual, as well as access to online tutorials, for all instructors and you designated Laser Safety Officer.

LASER CAMP doesn't require a specific science background, although science and physics teachers will be most familiar with the concepts.

Question 3

What facilities do I need?

Accepted Answer

The hands on activities and experiments requires a room that ideally can be darkened to enable students to make better observations. Tables and chairs or lab benches will be ideal for setting up the activities.

The programming for laser shows is done on computers and access to a suitable computer lab will be needed.  Details of the hardware/software needed are to be found in this FAQ. The primary performance laser can be used within such a computer lab provided there is a suitable surface such as a pull down screen or non reflective white board.

Question 4

What computer hardware/software do I have to provide?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that the instructor have access to a computer connected to a video projector or large monitor for classroom use. A laptop dedicated for use with the primary performance laser will provide the greatest flexibility.

Minimum computer requirements for using Pangolin QuickShow software:

● PC Notebook or Desktop with quad core processor such as Intel i5, 2.5GHz or better
● 4Gb of RAM or more
● Intel graphics card HD 4000 or better
● Windows 7 (32 or 64) Bit or higher
● 5 Gb free disk space
● One available USB port for the FB3/dongle

Question 5

What grades/ages is LASER CAMP for?

Accepted Answer

LASER CAMP covers concepts in physics (optics, nature of light, etc.) and also requires a degree of maturity to be aware of laser safety. For this reason, we recommend that the lowest grade/age for LASER CAMP is 6th grade or age 12.

The components of LASER CAMP allow for activities and production up to the college level.

Question 6

What else can I do with LASER CAMP?

Accepted Answer

The primary performance laser and the software used to produce laser shows can be used for many purposes:

After School Laser Club
Science Fair demonstrations
Theatrical and musical events and performances
Indoor events with cool laser effects and messages such as acknowledgment of donors and sponsor logos
Sporting Events

Question 7

Do I need any kind of permit or license for the laser?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LASER CAMP will obtain a variance from the FDA for laser shows at your site.  This variance must be renewed annually which is covered by our annual subscription.

More information on this variance and US Laws relating to laser shows can be found here.

Frequently asked questions