Infared Goggles as replacement for Protective googles

[Scci]

I have recently gotten into building a simple project which used two 808nm 1w lasers. I have multiple projects going so this one needs to be cheap. I am already building my own diode driver however it seems that all glasses become extremly expensive as soon as they hit 800. I dont want to spend $40 dollars on this but I am very very scared of damage to my eyes. I was wondering if it would be possible to instead use some infared goggles. I figured one eye is completly blocked and the other can only see through the little screen, and maybe the dot would be even brighter. Im pretty sure this would work, and the end product will only be see able through a webcam so these would only be used during building.

 

[Speedy78]

What do the goggles look like? Im worried about the light that could possibly bleed around them. What you see through the screen shouldnt be damaging. You can run them really low powered as well to align or set up whatever it is you are dking as well.

 

[Sigurthr]

Do you mean by using night vision type equipment? As long as the input and output are optically isolated you should be fine. Just ensure no leakage and make sure any unprotected eye is physically covered. You can easily damage night vision equipment with lasers, so be carefull.

FWIW, $40 is cheap for eye protection. Try finding goggles that have OD5 or more against 593.5nm, 808nm, 946nm, 1064nm, and 1342nm simultaneously. Now you're looking at real investments.

 

[Scci]

There is basically no leakage and yes they are the night vision kind, I cant think of any reason why it wouldnt work.

 

[Speedy78]

You shouldbbe fine. Just dont point it directly at the input or you could fry the camera.

 

[OzLasers]

I agree with Sigurthr, a $40 investment is a small price to pay to protect one's vision.