LIA - The Laser Institute

Laser Institute of America (LIA), founded in 1968, is the professional society for laser applications and safety. Our mission is to foster lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide. LIA cultivates innovation, ingenuity and inspiration to promote the continued growth and safe use of laser applications.

Educating the World on Laser Applications and Safety

At LIA, we believe in the importance of sharing new ideas about lasers. In fact, laser pioneers such as Dr. Arthur Schawlow and Dr. Theodore H. Maiman were among LIA’s original founders who set the stage for our enduring mission to promote laser applications and their safe use through education, training and symposia. LIA was formed in 1968 by people who represented the heart of the profession—a group of academic scientists, developers and engineers who were truly passionate about taking an emerging new laser technology and turning it into a viable industry.

Serving the Laser Community

Today, this unwavering dedication continues to propel LIA as we meet the growing demand for continuing education and safety training. LIA trains more Laser Safety Officers than any other organization in the world. We are also proud to offer flexible and convenient learning options including online, classroom based and onsite training. Laser Institute of America cultivates innovation, ingenuity and inspiration to promote the continued growth and safe use of laser applications.

Setting the Standard

To further enhance LIA’s mission of fostering lasers, laser applications and laser safety worldwide, it serves as the secretariat and publisher of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136 series of laser safety standards. These standards constitute the foundation of laser safety programs nationwide.