TIST develops affordable laser device for cancer,eye treatment

After three years of Research and Development in laser technology with support of Department of Science and Technology, an institute here has indigenously developed an affordable diode pumped Nd YAG Laser device widely used in oncology, ophthalmology and other major industrial applications.
The Toc-H Institute of Science and Technology (TIST) is now working on the modalities to commercially launch the device in the country, a press release said.
TIST founder director Dr K Varghese said the institution had developed the device indigenously at a time when the country is heavily dependent on imports.Except for the diamond industry in Gujarat, this laser device is not manufactured commercially in India, he said.

"We are taking steps for 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, 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".
TIST had taken the initiative to develop various laser based instruments in 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 treatment of minor vascular defects such as spider veins on the face and legs. In dentistry, 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 variety of metals and plastics; and by the military as laser range finders, the release said.
TIST principal Dr D Vincent H Wilson said it was after extensive three year research through a project funded by DST that the institution was able to develop the device. While Rs 49 lakhs was funded by DST, the balance Rs six lakhs was pumped in by TIST, he said.