TIST Develops Affordable Laser Device for Cancer and Eye Treatment

TechnoparkToday.com>> November 8, 2014: After three years of research and development in laser technology with the support of Union Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Toc-H Institute of Science and Technology (TIST) at Arakkunam has indigenously developed an affordable diode pumped Nd YAG Laser device that is widely used in oncology, ophthalmology and other major industrial applications.

The institute is now working on the modalities for commercially launching the device in the country. According to TIST founder director Dr K Varghese, the institution had developed the device indigenously at a time when the country was heavily dependent on imports. Except for the diamond industry in Gujarat, this laser device is not manufactured commercially in India.

“We are taking steps for the commercial launch of the device which has immense utility in the rapidly expanding medical and other industrial research in the country,” he added. Former BARC scientist and TIST professor Dr S K S Nair, who is the master brain behind the device, said “We have developed the device indigenously and the design of the device is expected to be first of its kind anywhere in India except in national research laboratories.”

He said that TIST had taken the initiative to develop various laser-based instruments in the future. The diode-pumped Nd YAG laser is the most useful and common solid state laser 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. It is also used in the automotive industry and in manufacturing for engraving, etching, or marking a variety of metals and plastics; and by the military as laser range finders.

TIST principal Dr D Vincent H Wilson said that 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 lakhs was funded by the DST, the remaining Rs six lakhs 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 added.