Comment by CamperBob2
Comment by CamperBob2 20 hours ago
They will be using a beam spreader to conform to the size of the targeted IC, which is usually on the order of 5x5 mm and up. For smaller parts they will be reducing the power.
They shouldn't be focusing it to a point under any conditions. Whether it's as safe as it could be is a different question, of course. For instance, you'd like to think that the act of configuring it for a smaller beam footprint would reduce the power at the same time, as opposed to requiring a separate adjustment that might be overlooked by the operator. Would have been nice if the video had addressed that and other safety considerations, for sure.
A lot depends on the exact wavelength. 1400 nm and longer is much less worrisome than near-visible IR.
OK, put you face in front of a 45w co2 laser tube and report your results.
The laser is collimated but not focused so by your logic it will be fine.
This is advice on par with eating tide pods.