TS EN ISO 11145

TS EN ISO 11145 brings together the basic terms, symbols and units used in laser technology so they can be expressed in a common technical language. The standard is aimed at harmonising terminology for lasers and laser-related equipment and at enabling clear definitions and reproducible tests of beam parameters and laser-oriented product properties. In practice, it helps engineers, laboratories and documentation teams describe laser systems consistently when comparing specifications or reporting measurements.

A shared vocabulary for laser parameters

In general technical terms, laser technology is described through parameters such as beam geometry, power, wavelength, beam quality and divergence. These concepts matter because they define not only what a laser source produces, but also how the beam behaves in use and what limits or capabilities it has in a given application. Standardising the related terms and symbols supports consistent communication across manufacturers, test laboratories and technical publications.

How it relates to other laser terminology

The document notes that the hierarchical laser vocabulary laid down here differs from the one in IEC 60825-1, and that this difference reflects the distinct purposes of the two standards. This is an important distinction: safety-oriented terminology and measurement-oriented terminology do not always follow the same structure. Annex A is informative and provides more detail on that difference.

As a reference, this standard is useful wherever laser-related symbols, terms and units must be used consistently in datasheets, drawings, laboratory reports and product descriptions. Its focus is the language of laser technology rather than the full performance of a device, so it supports clarity in technical communication and measurement practice without redefining the physics behind the equipment.