Summary of the Dissertation

The doctorate was conducted in the departments of optics and laser technology in collaboration with Robert Bosch GmbH. The research focuses on issues related to laser safety for optically scanning systems, such as lidar sensors and smart glasses. During the doctorate, methods for determining retinal, laser-induced damage thresholds were further developed, both experimentally in the laboratory and through simulation using a retinal layer model in thermal modeling.

The damage thresholds and conclusions derived from this work form the basis for the international laser safety standard, which is currently being revised. Particular attention is given to the formation of asymmetric and elongated retinal images and exposure scenarios. 

The results obtained contribute to a more precise determination of laser-induced damage thresholds and thus to the general advancement of the experimental method of ex vivo explant experiments. This is particularly relevant for laser safety committees, and the work thus potentially contributes to both the product safety and the product performance of laser products in the context of the laser safety standard.