Project Overview

Designed and coordinated the electrical systems for a laser optics research lab at Northeastern University’s Burlington Campus. The project included four enclosed Class IV laser tables with strict environmental and power quality requirements to support sensitive optical experiments. Specialized power conditioning, isolation, and grounding systems were implemented to mitigate noise and ensure stable, interference-free operation of highly sensitive research equipment.

Role & Responsibilities

Power Distribution & Clean Power Design – Designed clean power infrastructure including isolation transformers, EMI/RFI filtering, surge protection, and isolated grounding to mitigate differential and common-mode noise from the building’s electrical system.

Laser Safety System Design – Worked in coordination with the University’s Laser Safety Officer (LSO) to determine safety requirements under ANSI Z136.1. Designed laser safety elements including access control, engineered enclosures, visual signage, and administrative controls.

Fire Alarm & Life Safety – Integrated new devices into the campus-wide fire alarm system and emergency egress fixtures into existing life safety circuits.

Grounding & Electrical Noise Mitigation – Coordinated a grounding study to identify objectionable current sources. Designed grounding interconnection and isolation strategies to meet sensitive equipment performance requirements.

Key Challenges & Solutions

🔹 Laser safety classification and design coordination with LSO
✔ Solution: Determined full beam containment at point of operation. Confirmed that the Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ) did not extend beyond enclosures, negating the need for interlocks or emergency stop systems per ANSI Z136.1.

🔹 Power quality and noise interference from facility electrical systems
✔ Solution: Conducted field testing and coordinated a formal grounding study. Designed isolated power distribution using transformers, line filters, and clean grounding methods to meet sensitive equipment tolerances.

🔹 Clearance conflict in adjacent equipment room
✔ Solution: Identified inadequate NEC clearance for electrical control panel installation due to tight air handler fit. Relocated the panel to a remote location with compliant clearances, maintaining original equipment room size and preserving shell space for future expansion.

Outcome & Impact

✅ Fully enclosed Class IV laser systems – Designed with beam containment, risk mitigation, and safety compliance in alignment with ANSI Z136.1.
✅ Clean, noise-mitigated power infrastructure – Ensured uninterrupted equipment performance through engineered isolation and grounding.
✅ Space-saving design adaptation – Maintained valuable shell space and equipment room layout by pivoting to a remote panel location.

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Laser Optics Lab – Northeastern University (Burlington, MA)