Performing the work to modify or upgrade a laser lab — or, even better, securing the funding to design an entirely new facility — is a wonderful feeling. At no point in the lifecycle of an R&D or experimental laboratory facility are anticipation and expectations higher. But once the thrill fades, the pressures of real-world issues quickly begin to settle in. Fortunately, many of these pressures are temporary. Furthermore, with adequate focus, attention, and preparation, well-equipped designers can alleviate concerns associated with lab design. The trick is to allot sufficient time to consider all factors, including those that a designer is apt to overlook. First-wave considerations The selection of who will design the lab and manage the build project is as important as any decision that may come into play during the laboratory design and development process. Ensuring that the proper facilities and project managers are in place to lead construction and design plans is paramount. In the context of designing such a specialized facility, the lead researcher must know the experimental or project goals and be able to communicate them clearly to the lead managers. This information, along with a shared dialogue, can help to ensure proper design. In some cases, it can even spark a vision for how the facility will need to be laid out. From here, a design team can form. This team should consist of a project manager, member(s) of the research team, a laser safety officer (LSO), and specialists as needed. Depending on the target outcome and project scope, specialists to consider may include a fire safety professional or a health physicist. An effective project manager will keep researchers aware of what can fit in the assigned space, offer a realistic timeline for project completion, and provide options for equipment use and installation. Given the importance and nature of the responsibilities of the facilities and project managers, these roles should be awarded to a senior team member rather than to a graduate student or junior researcher, who will most likely lack the necessary experience. Similarly, graduate students and junior-level team members are likely ill-equipped to ultimately run a laser lab. Considerations such as safety codes and water temperature, for example, are most often outside a graduate student’s purview. Such considerations often emerge for the first time only in real-world, active-use facilities, and neglecting just one can seriously slow down a project. Understanding the space Knowing the potential and limitations of the laboratory space is critical, and floor scanning is a good place to begin gaining an understanding of the work environment. If an optical table or other equipment needs to be secured, most institutions require the floor to be scanned for rebar and conduits. This requires special equipment. And, in many cases, the resulting scans are valid only for a set period. If the objects are not secured within that time, the scan must be repeated, which increases project costs. The use of specialized equipment, and even some standard machinery, poses another challenge; installing optical tables, for example, requires special equipment. A crane might be needed. Since equipment may be brought in through an upper-story window, one must consider the cost and planning involved in renting and operating such equipment. Many institutions require a “critical lift” plan to address what needs to be done and to identify potential problems. Fortunately, there are solutions — many of them are modern and still improving. Computer-aided design, or computer-aided drafting (CAD), diagrams and planning can help to avoid unpleasant surprises. Another beneficial use of CAD diagrams, as well as large printers, involves optimizing the design and layout of one’s optical setup. These methods can reveal space challenges before they arise and offer insight into possible alternatives. Courtesy of iStock.com/kali9. Knowing the history of your space is also useful. Is the water temperature in the building constant? Will a chiller be required? Is the room temperature stable, and what tolerance do you need? There is no question that laser users know how critical temperature control can be. The same principle applies to particulate control, both at the cleanroom level and in terms of what may be coming out of ventilation ducts. I have seen ducts that routinely emit particulates as they cycle through. I have also come across unique solutions that researchers have applied to address the problem. Sometimes an “air sock” is the best way to handle this issue without adding to costs or design complexity. Locks, buttons, and storage Many laser standards require emergency “off” buttons if a Class 4 laser is present in a system or facility. These mechanisms may also be used if management believes their implementation provides an attainable measure of added safety without adding complexity. In reality, the user and LSO together should first evaluate whether “off” switches are needed and where they should be situated. I have seen many labs where the designer installed emergency “off” buttons in locations that became unreachable once equipment moved in. In one case, the buttons were installed but never connected to any equipment. It is cheaper to include these switches as part of the design than to retrofit. A good LSO will recognize this and prevent potential waste of money or duplication of mechanisms. Similar to the function of an “off switch,” an interlock prevents unauthorized persons from taking action in — or entering — certain locations. However, they are not the sole means of access control. The user and LSO should evaluate the experimental layout and facility traffic to decide the best option and placement. Along with the cost of the lock itself, project managers must consider that the installation cost may be significant. Finally, while an excess of some materials can be wasteful and costly, no laser lab ever has enough storage space. This is simply a fact of science. Therefore, when designing a lab, managers must consider establishing dedicated storage units, not just the standard over- or under-counter cabinets. Additional storage considerations may pertain to chemical safety and chemical safety lockers, liquid nitrogen and its containers, compressed gas and compressed gas cylinders, and more. Accessibility If an electrical panel is present on a laboratory wall, remember that it requires at least 1 m of clear space around it. The same applies to emergency showers. Fire extinguishers must be accessible, too. This notion of accessibility may be obvious, but it too is most easily addressed in the predesign planning stage. It is not the only set of considerations in this category. Ergonomic considerations, for example, while somewhat standard in an office setting, take on different priorities in the lab, where objectives differ. Items such as platforms may be essential to help users reach equipment that is as necessary for functional operation as it is for ensuring safe procedure. Antifatigue mats can keep workers comfortable and also serve a safety purpose. Monitors, adjustable stools, keyboards, and control room displays are among the standard items that must be positioned appropriately to ensure a comfortable and efficient workspace, as well as one that meets necessary safety standards. Once the facilities and/or project manager determines the equipment a facility plans to house, the appropriate team member(s) should evaluate anticipated power needs and the placement of outlets. Not all outlets are on the walls; some hang from the ceiling. Along with outlet placement, it is imperative to assess external power supplies and the heat they can generate. Placing power supplies in a separate room could solve heating issues if the design lead can ensure a practical, safe setup. Nature is one additional factor. Facilities in seismic areas, for example, necessitate the installation of seismic bracing. If other natural factors are in play, prepare for worst-case scenarios and check with designated safety personnel at established facilities in the region to determine the appropriate steps to take. Consider the small stuff — but think big This column could easily turn into a novel, and I hope it has provided sufficient information to enable anyone tasked with designing or upgrading a facility to generate a functional design checklist. Any combination of the above considerations can easily be overlooked and trigger unplanned delays. Perhaps more likely, they can consume project funds and add frustration. So if the design of a laser lab falls to you, think big. You never know when you will be given this exciting opportunity again.