Class 2 lasers are limited to which maximum output power?

Class 2 lasers are defined by specific safety limits to reduce the risk of eye injury. The maximum output power for Class 2 lasers is set at 1 mW. This limit is established because the human eye's natural aversion response—blink reflex—can provide adequate protection against incidental exposure to visible laser light of this power level. If the output exceeds this 1 mW threshold, it increases the risk of potential eye injury, particularly when an individual inadvertently stares directly into the beam for an extended period.

The classification of lasers into different categories (Class 1, Class 2, etc.) is primarily based on the potential hazards associated with their emissions in terms of output power and wavelength. Class 2 lasers are considered low-risk because of their limitation to less than or equal to 1 mW, making them generally safe for use in various applications, such as alignment or pointing tasks.