Expert Details
Laser Safety and Training, Laser Product Safety Regulations, Testing, Compliance and Certification
ID: 723104
Canada
Expert developed a laser safety course for users of high power Class 3B and 4 lasers and trained more than 300 researchers, students and technicians between 1998 and 2003 at the University of Toronto. He teaches laser safety courses and seminars for users of high power lasers, Laser Safety Officers or others responsible for the laser safety program, evaluation of hazards, and implementation of control measures. He has delivered courses for, or in association with many Canadian, US and international professional associations and companies.
He has conducted a technical review of the prototype of a laser-based instrument for bio-samples investigation. Performed tests to determine the source of optical signal fluctuations and suggested design modifications that eliminated the problem.He provided consultations on the optical design of machine vision imaging systems for particle monitoring and optical interface of the system with the polymer extruders. Performed a detailed evaluation of a laser marking industrial system for the purpose of compliance with manufacturer standards. It included testing for laser radiation leakage, assessment of the built-in safety features (interlocks, protective housing), review of product documentation and preparation of a test report.Conducted an in-depth study of an incorporated laser component that was leading to product failures. Determined the cause of the problem and developed a testing technique for incoming component inspection.
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 1985 | Degree: M. Eng. | Subject: Optical Engineering | Institution: St. Peterburg Institute for Precision and Optical Engineering, Russia |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2001 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: President | Department: |
Responsibilities:Expert provides consulting services to manufacturers of laser products with regard to compliance with US and international standards and regulations. He performs evaluations, tests and assessments, review of documentation, and prepares test reports. Expert also teaches laser safety courses. In addition, he also provides consulting services in optical system design, proof-of-concept and feasibility studies, prototype design, testing and performance evaluation in advanced imaging applications, machine vision, fluorescence techniques, optical testing and measurements, selection and use of lasers, LEDs, optical components and devices. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2001 to 2002 | Employer: Photonami Inc., Toronto, Canada | Title: Research Scientist | Department: |
Responsibilities:Expert performed R&D in the area of optical fiber amplifiers including prototype development, determination of methods for improving performance and performance testing. He developed optical assembly techniques for coupling pumping laser light into double-clad fiber for optical fiber amplifiers. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1993 to 2001 | Employer: Photonics Research Ontario (before 1996 - Ontario Laser and Lightwave Research Center), Toronto | Title: Principal Engineer, Senior Scientist, Scientist | Department: Photonics Facility |
Responsibilities:Expert provided expert scientific and technical consultation services to PRO industrial and academic clients. He planned, conducted and managed contract laser/optics/photonics R & D projects. He conducted feasibility studies, proof-of-concept experiments, building of prototypes and modification of optical systems and instrumentation. He also performed laser testing and measurements for compliance with US and international safety standards. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1990 to 1992 | Employer: OZONT, Bulgaria | Title: Applications Engineer | Department: Sales and Marketing |
Responsibilities:Expert provided technical support to clients locally and internationally. He demonstrated the company products (lasers, laser machining and laser marking systems) at local and international trade shows and exhibitions, and provided technical consultations. Expert also assisted sales personnel in securing export contracts. He performed troubleshooting, analyzed feedback from clients and prepared reports for Quality Assurance and R&D. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1990 to 1990 | Employer: Institute for Optical and Magnetic Storage Systems, Bulgaria | Title: R&D Scientist | Department: Optical storage media |
Responsibilities:Expert specified and implemented optical testing equipment for measurement of residual birefringence of optical CD blanks. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1988 to 1989 | Employer: University of Sofia, Bulgaria | Title: Research Associate | Department: Optics and Spectroscopy |
Responsibilities:Expert worked on a collaboration project with a soft contact lenses manufacturer. He evaluated and improved the manufacturing process, which resulted in significant reduction of out-of-spec lenses. In another collaboration project, he designed an optical assembly for illumination of the internal area of the human eye during electrophysiological examinations. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1985 to 1988 | Employer: Institute of Optics, Bulgaria | Title: Research Scientist, Optical Engineer | Department: Optical Instrumentation |
Responsibilities:Expert developed and designed optical systems and devices for a variety of applications. He analyzed and modified designs to improve performance and reduce cost. Expert conducted feasibility studies, built prototypes, assembled optical systems and developed testing procedures. He processed technical documentation and supervised manufacturing and quality control tests of optical components and assemblies. Expert also conducted performance tests and prepared test reports. |
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Government Experience
| Years | Agency | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2004 to 2005 | Agency: DND Canada | Role: Course Instructor | Description: He has conducted laser safety courses for military personnel. |
International Experience
| Years | Country / Region | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Years: 2005 to 2005 | Country / Region: Japan | Summary: Conducted a training course for Japanese branch of a large European test house. |
| Years: 2005 to Present | Country / Region: Switzerland | Summary: Provide laser product safety consulting services to a Swiss company with manufacturing facility in China. |
| Years: 1996 to Present | Country / Region: USA | Summary: Assisted US and Canadian clients in preparing and filing laser product reports in accordance with FDA/CDRH Regulations. |
Career Accomplishments
| Associations / Societies |
|---|
| Laser Institute of America, ASC Committee Z136 for Safe Use of Lasers, Canadian Radiation Protection Association |
| Licenses / Certifications |
|---|
| Professional Engineer, Certified Laser Safety Officer |
| Professional Appointments |
|---|
| CLSO Review Board Member |
| Publications and Patents Summary |
|---|
| He has 15 publications, 2 patents and is the author of several courses on laser safety and laser product compliance. |
Additional Experience
| Expert Witness Experience |
|---|
| He has provided technical expert advice to a law firm retained by the owners/users of a medical laser system. He has no past expert witness experience (in courts), but has provided assistance by expressing opinions on laser safety aspects for the Toronto Police, the Toronto Transit Commission, the Ontario Ministry of Labour (Radiation Protection Services) and the Toronto School Board. |
| Training / Seminars |
|---|
| 1. Laser Safety in the Research Lab (for users of high power lasers in university labs); 2. Laser Safety at the workplace. Course for Laser Safety Officers and personnel working with or near lasers and laser systems; 3. Laser product compliance with national and international regulations; 4. Principles of laser safety. Course for LSO and laser users in industrial, research and medical environments. |
| Vendor Selection |
|---|
| Has provided advice on laser and LED component vendors for a variety of applications - for testing, measurement or biomedical equipment, telecom applications, barcode readers, etc. |
| Marketing Experience |
|---|
| Multiple |
Language Skills
| Language | Proficiency |
|---|---|
| French | He communicates in French as a native speaker. Can read and review any written materials or documentation, write reports and other documentation. Conducts presentations and teaches training courses. |
| Russian and Bulgarian | Native speaker. Can read and write on any subjects. |
| Polish | Proficiency is close to native speakers. Can speak and read on a large variety of subjects. Writing skills are sufficient for e-mail communication and information exchange. |
| Spanish and Italian | Speaks sufficiently as to maintain basic conversation. Can read and understand written materials of general nature. Writing is sufficient for e-mail communication and exchange of information. |
Fields of Expertise
laser safety, laser, laser measurement, laser safety regulation, Food and Drug Administration laser safety regulation, laser safety training, laser equipment, product regulation, optics engineering, fiber laser, optical test, eye injury, eye safety, laser rangefinder, laser enclosure, laser focusing, laser inspection, aiming beam, beam optics, laser beam, brightness, Brewster's angle, Brewster angle window, alignment laser, articulated arm, accessible radiation, industrial laser, laser welder, laser sensor, binoculars, YAG laser, laser imaging, laser optics, laser operation, physical optics, eye protective equipment, optical instrumentation, laser human health effect, semiconductor laser, photometry, coherent laser, laser application, continuous wave laser, ultraviolet laser, solid-state laser, pulsed laser, optics, optical instrument, medical laser, laser materials processing, laser cutting, laser alignment system, infrared laser, geometrical optics, gas laser, fiber optics, chemical laser, alexandrite laser