Laser safety barriers, curtains, and window coverings are used to contain hazardous laser radiation and define controlled areas in environments using Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems.
One of the most common questions we get is:
What type of containment system do I actually need?
For most laser applications, safety comes down to two key components:
Appropriate laser safety eyewear
Containment of the surrounding area
This guide focuses on containment—how to select the right system for your setup.
Quick Recommendation (Start Here)
In many laser environments:
625 W/cm² rated barrier or curtain material is used to contain the surrounding area
Higher-rated systems (up to 2500 W/cm²) are selected when additional protection or more defined containment is required
The correct solution depends on:
Laser type and power
Distance from the beam
Potential for direct vs reflected exposure
Level of control over the environment
Final selection should always be based on your specific setup and reviewed by your in-house Laser Safety Officer (LSO).
The Main Containment Options
Most laser containment setups fall into three primary categories:
1) Portable Softwall Barrier Systems (Flexible & Mobile)
Freestanding or wheeled barrier panels using laser-rated softwall material.
Why they’re used:
Easy to move and reposition
Quick to deploy
No permanent installation required
Best for:
Changing work environments
Shared spaces
Temporary containment zones
Typical use:
Placed around an active laser area to block stray radiation and define a temporary safety perimeter.
Video – Portable Barrier System
2) Laser Curtain Systems (Fixed Perimeter)
Laser-rated curtains mounted to walls, ceiling tracks, or freestanding posts. Often include overlapping sections or access openings.
Why they’re used:
Create a consistent, defined containment area
More permanent than portable systems
Still allow flexibility and access
Best for:
Dedicated laser areas
Sectioning off part of a room or facility
Semi-permanent containment setups
Typical use:
Installed to form a perimeter around a laser process or work zone.
Video – Curtain System
3) Hardwall Barrier Systems (Structured & High Protection)
Rigid panel systems that provide a more defined and durable containment solution.
Key features:
Modular panels that connect into longer runs
Portable and collapsible despite rigid construction
More durable over time
Typically higher protection ratings depending on material
Why they’re used:
Increased protection requirements
More controlled environments
Long-term, repeatable setups
Best for:
Higher power systems
Applications requiring greater containment confidence
Facilities that want a more structured system
See the System in Practice
Individual Hardwall Barrier (Unboxing & Setup)
Modular Hardwall System (Panels Connected for Full Containment)
How to Decide Between Them
Most decisions come down to three factors:
Flexibility vs Structure
Need mobility → Portable barriers
Fixed area → Curtains
Structured system → Hardwalls
Protection Level
Standard containment → 575 W/cm² or 625 W/cm² softwall systems
Higher protection → Hardwall systems (up to 2500 W/cm²)
Environment
Changing or shared workspace → Portable systems
Defined work zone → Curtains or hardwalls
Controlled or higher-risk environment → Hardwalls or full enclosure
Understanding a Common Misconception About Laser Containment
Laser containment is often misunderstood.
In most real-world applications, the goal is not to stop a direct laser beam at full power over long distances.
Instead, containment systems are designed to:
Control reflected or scattered (diffuse) laser radiation
Define a safe working perimeter
Reduce exposure risk outside the controlled area
As laser energy travels and reflects, it spreads out and decreases in intensity, especially outside the immediate working zone.
This is why many environments can be effectively contained using 575 W/cm² or 625 W/cm² rated barrier materials.
How Containment Works in Practice
Laser safety curtains and barriers are used to create a controlled enclosure around the work area.
Within this enclosure:
The highest energy is contained near the source
Reflections are managed before they propagate outward
Exposure outside the enclosure is significantly reduced
Final system selection should always be reviewed by your Laser Safety Officer (LSO).
What About Laser Safety Window Coverings?
In addition to perimeter containment, some applications require controlling laser radiation at specific openings.
Laser safety window coverings are designed to block laser radiation through windows, viewing panels, or other openings.
What they are:
Non-transparent coverings installed over:
Windows
Viewing areas
Openings into adjacent rooms
When they are used:
Medical or operating room environments
Laboratories with observation windows
Industrial setups where laser radiation could exit the room
How they differ from barriers and curtains:
Not used to define a workspace perimeter
Used to block specific lines of sight or openings
Installed directly over existing windows or transparent areas
Key takeaway:
Barriers & curtains → define and contain the work area
Window coverings → block laser radiation at openings
Video – Laser Safety Window Coverings
Important Safety Note
Laser barriers, curtains, and window coverings are generally used for perimeter containment of diffuse or reflected laser energy, not for sustained direct beam exposure.
Even with proper containment:
Laser safety eyewear should always be worn
Systems must be selected based on real operating conditions
Ratings should be verified against the specific laser being used
Final system selection should always be reviewed by your Laser Safety Officer (LSO) in accordance with applicable standards.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Most customers begin with:
Portable barriers for flexibility
orCurtain systems for defined areas
Then move to:
Hardwall systems when they need more structure or higher protection
Window coverings are added when:
There are openings or windows that need to be controlled
Start by defining:
Your laser system
Your workspace layout
Your level of containment required
Then work with your LSO to finalize the appropriate setup.
Need Help Choosing the Right System?
We can help you evaluate your application and recommend the appropriate containment solution.