ABSTRACT
The laser light show, since its conception, has been tied to entertainer stage shows. Early shows presented a significant potential for general population injury and yielded a response from regulatory agencies in the United States. Early laser art shows evolved around a series of inventions and patents such as what was called Co-Op-Art by Leo Beiser in the early 1960s. Laser shows became a main attraction, old and young alike; bringing in much needed revenue to planetariums and science centers worldwide. Laser users need to be aware that laser accidents do happen, many times for reasons that could have been prevented. Laser accidents at light shows could involve the operator or audience. An incident at a light show has the potential to injure a vast number of people, even thousands. There are regulations and guidelines for setting up laser light shows with the goal of making a safe and enjoyable event.
