ABSTRACT
Laser technology is extremely fluid. Not only are new types of lasers being developed, but more importantly we have new applications to go along with the lasers. The next few sections deal with some of these new applications/lasers. Time and funding will tell if these applications might be commonplace, curious footnotes, or undeveloped projects in the future. I had the privilege to work on a number of amazing laser projects, all in the capacity as a laser safety advisor. These projects are still in progress, and safety controls are changing with their development and maturity. Rather than share incomplete safety measures, I would rather share the wonder of these projects. As time goes on, I have no doubt they will be major contributors to science and our world. LIGO, NIF, LCLS and the “desktop” optical accelerator — unfamiliar with them? Read on.
