KOCHI: After three years of research and development in laser technology with the support of Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Toc-H Institute of Science and Technology (TIST) at Arakkunam, near here, has indigenously developed an affordable diode pumped Nd YAG Laser device, which is widely used in oncology, ophthalmology and other major industrial applications.
According to TIST founder-director K Varghese, the institution has developed the device indigenously at a time when the country is heavily dependent on imports. Except for the diamond industry in Gujarat, the laser device is not manufactured commercially in India.
“Steps are being taken for the commercial launch of the device which has immense utility in the rapidly expanding medical and other industrial research in the country,” he said.
“We have developed the device indigenously and its design is unique,” said S K S Nair, former BARC scientist and TIST professor, the master brain behind it.
TIST has taken the initiative to develop various laser-based instruments. The device is useful with diverse applications in industry, medicine, research and communication.
It is extensively used in ophthalmology and oncology. In cosmetic medicine, it is used for laser hair removal and for the treatment of minor vascular defects such as spider veins on the face and legs.
In dentistry, the YAG lasers are used for soft tissue surgeries in the oral cavity. In the automotive industry and in manufacturing it is used for engraving, etching, or marking a variety of metals and plastics and in military as laser range finders.
According to TIST principal Dr D Vincent H Wilson, it was after conducting extensive research for three years through a project funded by the DST that the institution was able to develop the device. While Rs 49 lakh was funded by the DST, the remaining Rs 6 lakh was pumped in by TIST.
“The device will help the student community undertake further research in laser technology. We believe that TIST is the first institution in India to take up such a research project on laser technology outside government departments like DRDO, DAE and ISRO and is into developing high power lasers in India,” he said.