Open source remote monitoring of research lasers

An open source remote monitoring system is designed and built to address the needs of researchers to provide basic illuminated visual indication of laser operation for university research laboratories that are equipped with multiple types of high-powered lasers and have limited financial resources. The 3D printed remote monitoring system selectively monitors either the total current running through a laser or a TTL shutter signal to wirelessly indicate at the laboratory entrances that a laser is in use. Several lasers can be monitored in a single room and each room entrance can have its own wireless laser activity indicator. The wireless feature eliminates the expense of in-wall wiring for the system. An emergency shut off switch is included as an optional attachment. This article describes the design of the readily deployed open source laser monitoring system, including how it was built and tested for integration into a microscopy research laboratory.

Automated summary

The open source remote monitoring system is designed to provide researchers in university research laboratories with a cost-effective solution for monitoring multiple high-powered lasers. It can wirelessly indicate laser activity at laboratory entrances and does not require expensive in-wall wiring, making it easy to deploy in different rooms. An optional emergency shut off switch can also be included for added safety measures.