What Is a Line Laser?
A line laser is a device that draws a laser line in space to define the position where work is to be performed.
It is mainly used in construction sites and interior decoration work. It is non-destructive and leaves no trace. To direct the laser to the exact location, the level must be ensured even if the ground on which it is to be installed is tilted.
There are two types of line lasers: gimbal and electronically straightened. Some products have two lasers, some have several, and some can even draw a line to the ceiling.
Applications of Line Lasers
Line lasers are used at construction sites for factories, facilities, and homes to designate where equipment is to be brought in and where structures are to be installed. They are also useful in interior work to designate points where holes are to be drilled.
When selecting a line laser, it is important to consider the selection of the leveling mechanism, the number of lasers, and whether the line laser is suitable for the environment in which it will be used. Attention should also be paid to the color of the laser, as its legibility varies depending on the environment.
Principle of Line Lasers
Line lasers consist of a leveling mechanism and a laser output unit. The laser output section uses a semiconductor. When energy is given to a semiconductor, it enters an excited state and emits light as it returns from the excited state to the ground state.
When an atom inside a semiconductor in an excited state emits light, this light is irradiated onto the surrounding excited atoms. The surrounding excited atoms then also emit light in a phenomenon called induced radiation. This is the principle behind the intense output of laser light.
The light is amplified by the mirror plate or junction, and the light is emitted as a laser. The aforementioned induced radiation emits light of the same wavelength and phase, resulting in highly directional light output.
1. Gimbal Type
The gimbal type has a built-in pendulum, which vibrates to determine the center point of the earth and to level the instrument. Because of its simple principle of operation using gravity, the accuracy is not affected by outside temperature or pressure, as is the case with the electronic reference system (see below).
However, care must be taken in places where there is vibration, as the pendulum oscillation is unstable and the line is not stable. It is also vulnerable to dust and other foreign matter.
2. Electronic Canonical Type
The electronic canonical type incorporates a container with liquid and air bubbles and measures the position of the bubbles to level the line. The sensor that measures the position of the bubbles is called a canonical sensor. Based on the sensor value acquired by the canonical sensor, the horizontal position is calculated using a board inside.
Because of the above principle, the advantage of this type of sensor is that it is more resistant to vibration than the gimbal type. However, it should be noted that under high temperatures, a large amount of air bubbles may be generated and the canonical sensor cannot acquire accurate sensor values. In addition to temperature, it is also affected by pressure.
Other Information on Line Lasers
1. Magnitude and Color of Laser Light
The size of the laser beam is determined by standards, and line lasers use a light size that does not cause immediate exposure to the human eye. There are two laser colors: red and green.
Red light is difficult to see outdoors, so its main application is for line-laying indoors or in dimly lit sites. The green light is easier to see outdoors, so it is also used for outdoor line marking applications.
2. Photodetector
A photodetector is a device that emits sound in response to light. By shining the receiver on the area where the line is to be laid out, the operator can confirm where the line is drawn by judging by the sound. This device is useful in situations where light is difficult to see, such as bright sites in direct sunlight.